Elf Management

Just think about it: What helps explain why organizations don’t bother giving volunteers proper training or structure? Why do paid staff often act as though volunteers aren’t really human? Why are milk and cookies universally present at volunteer recognition events? In this issue of Voices, Publishing Editor Emeritus Steve McCurley has the answer: “They think they’re elves!”

Although he has presented this talk at many conferences and workshops over the years, McCurley’s witty and thought-provoking discourse on elf management is presented here for the very first time in print. Enjoy.