Last week I had to tell an organization that I could not accept their leadership position. It was not an easy decision, especially because it is an organization I have been involved with for years and believe in. I just didn't have the resources to commit to the task. And yet it still bothers me that I had to say no. I think it bothers me more than anything that I *know* I could help them meet their needs and goals.
Just so you can understand, the organization is the Boy Scouts. In yet another re-organization of territories, they have created a new district out here that includes much of eastern Colorado and parts of the panhandle of Nebraska. I was asked to become the District Chairman for the new district, a volunteer position comparable to president or director. I admit I thought long and hard about it. I have served for years on a local troop committee. L has driven the canoe trailer to many an event and even spent tropical deluges camping with the troop. I was a Boy Scout in the same local troop (albeit 40+ years ago) whose committee I now serve on. The Son was Boy Scout in the same troop. All these things conspired to made it really hard for me to say no.
In the end I just had to say no because I am unable to commit to the demands of the position at the current time. So my points after all the meandering around are:
Have you ever had to turn down something similar?
Did it bother you that you had to say no?
Time to get ready for the city council meeting.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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I think it was my great-great uncle who said, "Stress is when your gut says no and your mouth says yes."
ReplyDeleteI've never really experienced this situation but I think it is best when you are able to say "no" when you realize that you can't really put the time and effort it deserves in.
ReplyDeleteAnd can I just say, J. Cosmo Newbery's comment just cracks me up?