Coordinator - Sweet Adelines International

Chapter 1: Team Tools
Regional Management Team Handbook
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overwhelm the person with every mistake she has ever made; provide her with a small
number of relevant, and recent, examples. Do not give advice on how to fix the problems
unless you are asked. Though offering assistance may be appropriate, don’t be surprised
or hurt if the offer is refused. If your offer is accepted, be gracious in presenting your
ideas, and work with the person to achieve the desired results. When providing written
evaluations, remember that your comments may seem more severe because you were
unable to use body language or tone of voice to enhance communication.
Receiving feedback, especially negative, is extremely difficult for most people. When you
know you are going to be evaluated, remind yourself to keep an open mind. Determine
for yourself how you are going to react. You may decide to follow some suggestions; you
may decide to take some information under advisement and follow your own course of
action; or you may decide to ignore the feedback entirely.
If you receive input that you do not agree with, do not discount it completely. Try to
determine why the person evaluating you has such a different perception of you than
you do. You may find the evaluator is right. If not, look at what you do that gives the
evaluator the wrong impression. Examine what you can do to change that perception.
Nine times out of 10, you will find that miscommunication, untimely communication, or
no communication is the problem.
People rarely criticize with the intent to hurt. Usually criticism is given with the best
intentions, however it is not always expressed in the most productive manner. Look for
what is useful and act on it. Most people have no idea that their method of
communication is not always successful.
Sweet Adelines International is a volunteer organization. Our members give willingly of
their time and expertise. We want them to continue giving and feeling good about
themselves. Since our members and leaders tend to be high achievers, they continually
look for ways to improve themselves. You should make every effort to ensure that the
feedback you provide is delivered in a kind and caring manner. Work toward building up,
not tearing down.
Governing the Region (Committees)
As the brain of the regional body, the Regional Management Team (RMT) provides the
vision, strategic plans and makes the rules and decisions for the region. However, it is
not the sole responsibility of the RMT to implement these areas. To accomplish the
work of the region, the RMT should establish a reasonable and effective system of
committees. These committees are the arms and legs of the regional body. They give
life to the ideas developed by the RMT. Alone, neither the RMT nor the committees
can function successfully; together they become whole. Each is dependent upon and
supported by the other.
Team Tools • 1-19