Working Together in Unity
PO BOX 494
Long Beach, NY 11561
ph: 918-565-9657
karen
Working Together in Unity: Managing Conflict Leading Volunteers
Read what others have to say:
"Dr. Adams, this is extraordinary!!! Thank you for this tremendously helpful book. I highly recommend it for every educator that leads a multi-generational team of teachers and volunteers."
Sharon D. Jones, M.Ed.,
Director of Education, A+Markem
"Karen's book clearly describes the importance of cultivating the relationship between the volunteer and the organization and it provides excellent resources."
Diane McClendon
Executive Director
DallasHR & HR Southwest
"In Working Together in Unity: Managing Conflict Leading Volunteers, Karen Adams brings together a number of communication models, each of which is intended to facilitate people working together for a common goal. Her research is thorough and relevant to her topic. She has captured the essence not only of communication but also of problem solving in nonprofit associations. I would highly recommend this book to all association leaders and even to those in the for-profit community as well."
Larry Burk, SPHR, CCP (Retired)Formerly Field Services Manager/Regional Director Southwest Central, SHRM
Taking the lead in any organization is difficult, but especially so when there is conflict amongst the people, either interpersonal or corporate. Resolving conflict is both art and science, and working to resolve conflict with volunteers is even more difficult. This is primarily due to the fact that volunteers are just that, volunteers. They have willingly signed on in a serving capacity, whether Board of Directors or mail room clerk, and as easily as they have signed on they can just as easily sign off. Working with volunteers takes a different, perhaps more sophisticated and tender approach than with a hire in general, and thus conflict resolution, or prevention even better, requires a unique set of skills.
In this wonderfully written book, Karen Adams addresses the main issues relating to conflict management and resolution. Firstly, that it is essential, using effective communication technique, to engage the interests, goals and dreams of the volunteer, and motive them in their voluntary service.
Secondly, a strong leader works diligently at helping all volunteers to work together in unity, which one would think would be easy in a religious organization; sadly this is often not the case, and requires a strong blending of culture, world view and personality, especially when working with multigenerational volunteers.
Finally, Karen focuses the reader’s attention on developing strong, cooperative relationships, and discusses some of the logistical aspects of recruiting and managing volunteer workers and leaders.
I highly recommend this work, developed in the crucible of volunteer leadership and management. It will no doubt help solve many problems, and help a leader resolve or avoid conflict more effectively.
Dr. Stan DeKoven
Stan E. DeKoven, Ph.D., MFT
Founder and President
Vision International University: College and Graduate School
Vision International Education Network
Copyright 2012 Working Together in Unity. All rights reserved.
Working Together in Unity
PO BOX 494
Long Beach, NY 11561
ph: 918-565-9657
karen