Rounding Up ‘The Usual Suspects’
Honing In On Common Leadership Traits Opens Door To New Volunteer Talent

By Tom Murray, Vice President
Mid-Atlantic Region

Yesterday, my afternoon was spent in a search committee meeting for a new executive director of our local United Way. After 14 years, our executive director has announced her retirement. Fortunately for us, her schedule is flexible and she can continue her duties until we select her successor. Around the table were two bankers, an engineer, a lawyer, an agency executive director and the human resources director of our area’s cable company. As the chair of the board, I was pleased and relieved that this group was willing to volunteer their time and talent to this search. I wondered what motivated them? For that matter, I pondered why I had given more than 35 years of volunteer service to four separate United Ways?

No one forced any of us to be there. Certainly, there was not going to be any economic benefit to any of us. We were there because we knew that it was important for our organization and our community that we find the best possible person to fill this important position.

It seems that in every town where I have lived, there is a group of “Usual Suspects.” Not the type meant by Claude Raines in that famous scene in Casablanca, but busy, successful people who volunteer their time and talent, and give of their treasure for the good of others.

You know them. Because you are reading this, the odds are that you may be one of them. They are the backbone of every nonprofit. I do not know if they are motivated by the same things. I do know that they like to be invited to serve, and most like to be acknowledged for their contribution. Most seem to be community-minded and responsible. Some have religious, artistic or intellectual interests in common with the organization. Every “Usual Suspect” I know cares about people and possesses a positive outlook on life, regardless of their economic situation. At some point, they were all asked to learn more about this cause or that organization.

In my opinion, not every person who volunteers for a nonprofit board or organizational leadership position automatically attains “Usual Suspect” status. Unfortunately, some people are motivated by a need for control, social status, or are just looking for something to do. You may have come across them, too.

Potential “Usual Suspects” are out there. You and your organization need to identify and develop them. They can bring new insights and energy. They can play a vital role in the future of your organization. Many times, they can come from your rank of volunteers. They may be found among new members of your community who are looking for a way to become involved. Some communities have leadership classes that maintain a list of graduates.  However, don’t assume that they will just fall into your lap, or that anybody who asks will fill the bill. Careful attention to this process will benefit your organization for years to come.