DifferenceMakers, Ltd. - DifferenceMaker Calendar/Planner

The Leadership section of your DifferenceMaker has been devoted mostly to personal leadership. The ideas discussed and the processes offered are valid for everyone. Many of our readers have requested more information specific to leading a group. The group process contains the same steps as the personal development section: develop a dream, write a purpose, divide that purpose statement into measurable objectives, turn those objectives into written goals, break each of those goals down into do-able programs and projects, execute those plans and evaluate the outcomes.

To accomplish this planning process as a group, use a "think tank" approach. Gather your entire group or, if the group you lead is too big, representatives of each faction of your group, and work through the process. Use brainstorming techniques to develop the input for the various steps. The broader the group representation for input in the planning stage, the better the chance for "buy-ins" from the membership at large when the planning is completed. When writing your purpose statement, use the active voice and powerful adverbs to help drive your group toward action. Consider the following example as you develop your own purpose statement. The basic question to be answered in a group purpose statement is, "Why have we organized ourselves into this group?"

This is your opportunity to state clearly the "GRAND IDEAS" which will drive your organization:

Sample Group Purpose Statement

We have organized:

To actively encourage and vigorously support the individual and collective INVOLVEMENT of our community members with __________ (skiing, chess, community service, music, etc., or self government).

To energetically seek and diligently REPRESENT THE OPINIONS, ideas and concerns of our membership to __________ (the community at large, specific groups in the community, leadership or management, etc.).

To ardently establish and resolutely MAINTAIN POSITIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS with: __________(specifically what groups or "the general population?").

To enthusiastically PROVIDE SUPPORT for any and all projects our membership decides to undertake.

To consciously COORDINATE THE EFFORTS of our members as they work together to accomplish any task.

Once you have captured the "grand ideas," break them down into specific measurable objectives and goals with projects and programs whose success you can measure against your statement. Be sure your plan includes: Community Service Projects, Membership Drive, Fundraising, Group Promotion, and Group Activities.