Tip #17 Be Flexible
June 23, 2008 – 12:07 pm
Don’t get bent out of shape about deadlines and sign-ups. While you need a good count for an event you don’t have to be rigid. Instead, build flexibility into your planning! It’s much better to recruit an extra driver with the understanding that you may not need her than it is to tell a student she can’t bring 3 friends at the last minute.
Be willing to “call an audible” during events. Adjust and flex based on what is happening as opposed to getting upset about your plan not working perfectly.
By focusing on the “main thing” (relationships) you will get to the goal (reaching and teaching students about Jesus) with a lot less frustration. Just think of all the extra energy you’d have!
2 Responses to “Tip #17 Be Flexible”
What strikes me as the key is “build flexibility into your planning.” This implies not only flexibility but also planning. All too often I have seen youth volunteers and professionals alike err on the side of thinking that to be flexible is to plan less. Actually I would suggest that it take more planning to do flexible right.
By Dave on Jun 26, 2008
Dave, I totally agree. Planning is treated as a curse word by those who don’t know how, don’t want to take time, or want to “rely on the Holy Spirit”. It has long been my belief that the Holy Spirit can work just as powerfully through our prayerful and purposeful planning as through our ability to wing it… probably moreso!
By pattig on Jun 26, 2008