When You Can't Get a Volunteer Recorder

We've been looking at the role of the team recorder in the last two days. You may want to read those posts first.

Today we'll look at a technique and a ground rule for getting a recorder when no one wants to volunteer. When I'm leading a meeting, I first ask if someone will volunteer to be our recorder. If no one volunteers I then look someone in the eye and ask them directly: "'Sam', would you be good enough to record for us? I sure would appreciate it." In my experience it is a rare situation when the person says "no," even though it is quite common that the person asked does show a bit of reluctance. But I have a ground rule that tends to make the assigned recorder much more comfortable in their role.

As soon as the assigned recorder accepts their role, I turn to the rest of the team and say: "Thanks 'Sam'. Now here's the ground rule for the rest of you. If anyone criticizes Sam's handwriting, spelling. or any other aspect of his recording, 'Sam' gets to turn over his recorder job to them."

That usually gets everyone's attention, cooperation, and appreciation for "Sam;" and generally eliminates any laughter, comments or poking fun at "Sam."

One other thought. If the meeting goes on for awhile and "Sam" is publicly recording (on a flip chart or white board for example), I will ask for another recorder at some point. If I don't get a volunteer then, I will look someone else directly in the eye and ask them to take over for "Sam."

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