WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB
WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB
WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB
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SECTION 2.9<br />
LEADERSHIP<br />
Your workmates have elected you and will look to you for leadership.In the eyes of your members,<br />
potential members and managers you are one of <strong>GMB</strong>’s leaders where you work.<br />
You also need to have credibility with management and supervisors and earn their respect.<br />
LEADERSHIP TIPS<br />
How you appear to others:<br />
• Be reliable.<br />
• Be knowledgeable.<br />
• Be supportive.<br />
• Be calm,confident and committed.<br />
• Be honest,know when you need to get more advice and where to get it.<br />
In discussions:<br />
• Listen to what the member,non-member or manager is saying.<br />
• Show interest in the issue,problem or complaint that is being raised with you.<br />
• Concentrate,don’t allow yourself to be distracted.<br />
• Don’t interrupt.<br />
• Ask questions if you are unclear about what a person is saying.<br />
• If someone is agitated,wait for them to draw breath and then say something that shows you have<br />
been listening,without necessarily agreeing with what they say,for example:‘I understand that<br />
you are very upset because you feel that...”<br />
Motivate:<br />
• You can’t do everything yourself.Instead,break projects down into small tasks and get volunteers<br />
to help,for instance putting up <strong>GMB</strong> notices,handing out leaflets,getting the meeting room ready.<br />
• Lead by example.Be reliable yourself so that when you ask for help with a task they will respect<br />
your request.<br />
• Make it clear what you are asking them to do and make sure you thank them afterwards.If a <strong>GMB</strong><br />
Official or Senior Activist visits,introduce volunteers and acknowledge their help.<br />
Understand and promote equality:<br />
<strong>GMB</strong> will not tolerate discrimination of any form from its Workplace Organisers or members.You should<br />
understand the cultural,racial and gender diversity of your members and promote unity; you should<br />
also be aware of <strong>GMB</strong>’s obligations to disabled members.Equalities training may well be offered by your<br />
Region.