It’s been very interesting for me to experience and witness people’s behavior when asked if they want to “get involved.” Responses immediately vary from “I’m too busy,” to “I do not have a passion for that activity or function,” to “Absolutely, what a great opportunity!” What I have found to be the most difficult task, when being asked to get involved throughout the years, was taking the time to make an EDUCATED decision. Too often we rush to what we believe to be the correct answer without weighing the pro’s and con’s. A couple quick questions I always ask myself prior to making a commitment to get involved are as follows:
1. Why am I being asked to get involved?
2. Would I be ACTIVELY involved in the opportunity, or PASSIVLEY involved?
3. Do I truly have a passion for the opportunity?
4. What is my personal return on investment for my time?
5. Is there a corporate return on investment for my time?
6. Who ultimately benefits from my commitment (Charity, Board, Community, Corporation, etc)?
7. Would I have to delete something from my current schedule to get ACTIVELY involved?
8. Would the company or my family suffer from my involvement?
If you are able to generate positive responses to these questions, then you have found an Activity/Committee/Board/Association to get involved in! It is OK to say “no thank you” to an opportunity to get involved, if you truly feel value will not be brought to either you or the benefitting party. But you should always challenge yourself prior to jumping to that potential conclusion; because you never truly know how much value you could add that would benefit you and others for years to come!
Jeff Hagerman,
President
The Hagerman Group
