Your views wanted on 'the ten skills of organising'. Contact UNISONActive (see link below) to give your views on whether the 'ten skills' are the most important qualities we are looking for in activists and staff.
In July last year the government published the MacLeod Review ‘Engaging for Success’, http://www.bis.gov.uk/macleod-review an in depth report looking at the benefits of employee engagement, commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. It sees engagement as a workplace approach designed to ensure that employees are committed to the organisations goals and values, motivated to contribute to the organisations success and able to enhance their own well being. Often seen as the master key which unlocks performance, no one can deny the importance of staff who will go that extra mile, who show a real passion for the job and whose understanding of their role goes beyond mere ‘satisfaction’ in a job.
The same could apply equally to union activists although we must never forget they are volunteers and not paid employees.
So what are the key qualities that are needed to be an effective union organiser? Members will expect an industrial understanding and commitment to progressive politics but what are the other essential qualities they will need to deliver the role? As your starter for ten as to what makes an engaged, effective and efficient UNISON organiser, here is the UNISONActive guide to ‘The Ten Skills of Organising’:
1 An Enhanced Listening ability
Being able to actually hear people is vital – that way you, as a leader, identify the desire of the group or individual and help clarify and focus that will.
2 Good Empathy
Strive to understand and be aware of others
3 Have understanding
All issues have values and ethics, commitment and passion. With different viewpoints you must be able to educate, integrate, building consensus and unity
4. Persuasion
Convince others you are working with them rather than coercing them.
5 Knowledge
Use your knowledge of industrial relations, experience and history, so as to articulate visions for the future.
6 Foresight
You need to be able to predict the likely outcome of a situation and advise appropriately
7 Commitment to the growth of members, activists and staff
You must be totally committed to the development of each individual you are responsible for.
8 Stewardship
UNISON is not about you or any individual – it is about the greater good of all and the next generation will inherit what you leave behind.
9 Community
Building a sense of belonging, real solidarity and collectivism amongst activists and members
10 Personal Work Ethic and Resilience
Don’t ask anyone to do what you are not prepared to do and lead by your own example. Be prepared to see the job through to the end.
Are these the most important qualities we are looking for in activists and staff?
As UNISONActive readers you are well placed to comment on this important issue as we enter the next decade, in what will be the biggest test yet for UNISON and the whole trade union movement. Let us know what you think.
The views of UNISONActive readers on ‘the ten skills of organising’ are invited for publication. Please click here to submit views.
