I've always in my personal life considered that I've had 3 circles of friends. First can usually count on one hand; the ones that you can call for just about anything and they are there. Your 'best' friends. Majority of friends are in the second circle. Mine has many dozens in there. You consider them good friends.. maybe even close. You see them out and about and events, parties, cook outs, work, you name it. Then the third or outer circle... everyone else?
Well, in Groups or Associations or Organizations.. you name it.. we've got the same thing. I'm not going to reference it as circles .. maybe .. levels? Guess it doesn't matter exactly what reference, the outcome is the same.
Level 1: These are the folks that volonteer or appointed or promoted, to positions that sustain the organization. They make the decisions. They show up at most if not all meetings and events. They make the wheels turn. They ensure it continues to exist. But sadly, this is usually a small perecntage. I'm going to say .. and I'm being on the nice side .. .10% Think about that for a second ... a whopping 1 out of 10 "git er' done."
Level 2: These are the folks that show up at most meetings. They show up for rides. They show up for get togethers within the orgainization. Participate in fund raisers. They might wear clothing that shows pride in the organziation. They volunteer if needed sometimes. But ... what's the percentage? I'm guessing best case .. 20%. That means between Level 1 and Level 2 we've accounted for less than a third of an organization. And that's being generous... I sometimes think that second group is closer to 10% also.
Level 3: They show up once in a great while. They chime in on communciation once in awhile. They pay their annual dues (assuming there is any) on time. They show up for situations that require a vote. They are actually the core of the organization (statistically). But they rarely if ever volounteer. They never dedicate their time to the orgnization. They might need to be reminded to pay their dues. Show up annually as a minimum. They are on the rolls contributing to the total body count?
Level 5: Yes I skipped one.. I'll come back to it. This level might be the poisonous ones. There always seems to be 1 or 2 out there in the mix. They bitch. They whine. Or just as bad (worse?), backstab when given the chance. Maybe they rarely paticipate but spew BS when out n' about? Hell, they may put on a persona' of team player when their actions are the opposite. These .... are one of the biggest problems and not always easy to identify .. or .. rectify?
Level 4: Thought I forgot one? These are the slugs that have to be reminded to show up at some point. Those that have to be reminded pay dues EVERY year? Usually have every excuse to not participate or show. Yet ... they might account for 10% of the total in an organization. These folks will wear you out. But, they someway , somehow , meet the minimum standard .. and continue to exist.
Too Harsh? Nah' .. I had to really think about it all. Personal experinece in multiple organizations of the last few decades. I normally just quote the 20/80 rule. I've been corrected a few times lately that its' closer to 10/90. The smaller number is the percentage of people that may do the majority (larger number is a percentage) of the work. I've lived by the 20/80 the last several decades when I first heard about it. Hell, you could take it one step further. In some situations (workplace) 20% may account for 80% of a companies' revenue. Wrap your head around that one? Thats why so many companies in the churn through sales folks every year. My guess is 33% every year jump ship looking for a new Pay Plan .... stumble.. then do it again a year or two later.. and .. again. Funny note. When I'm hiring people and they tell me how successful they are, how much money they made a company, flags go up. Why are they leaving then? Time to dig deeper......
But, back to this one. Level 1 and 2 are the true backbone of an organization. Most people do NOT want to be a Level 1. Me... I've rotated between Level 2 and 1 the last decade and a half, at least in the motorcycle world. I love Level 2, but sometimes you've got to get in the mix at Level 1 to institute change. Or to ensure a proper direction continues. Otherwise... shit can go south and ... one considers' the other levels? No thank you ..............
