I was totally shocked!

Hasn’t happened in a very, very long time - and wasn’t a professional call.

A woman called me wanting advice.

• She heard me speak several years ago.
• Thought I could help her out.
• I took the call.

Seems she was booked to facilitate a chapter retreat.

• Focus: Getting more members involved.
• Issue: She doesn’t know a lot about getting more members involved.
• She’s a facilitator - not a subject matter expert.

So she called me.

At first I thought she wanted to book me to run the retreat.

• “No!” she gasped.
• SHE was doing the retreat.

I asked if she was looking for content or help creating the retreat.

• I wasn’t sure what she wanted from me.
• I didn’t know her.
• What was she asking for?

She blew up, “I can tell you aren’t into this!”

Huh?

“You are not excited about the opportunity to help me!”

• I tried to explain my energy was lower than normal due to being tired from last minute Lazy Leader  book stuff.
• She wouldn’t hear it.

“You obviously aren’t interested in this!”

• Click.
• She was gone.
• Just as I was about to point her to ASAE’s Decision to Volunteer work.

Grandma always said you attract more bees with honey than vinegar.

• My hang up caller must have missed the memo.
• I feel sorry for the association she’s going to be working with.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…Do you use honey or vinegar when asking others to help you out?

Originally posted @ Cynthia D'Amour on Leadership and Life