What Should I Do About My Indecisive Team Member for Conference?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a director's concerns regarding a team member's indecision about attending an upcoming conference. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on how to handle the situation, including the implications of the team member's lack of commitment on planning and logistics.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a director, expresses frustration over a team member's indecision about booking a flight and registering for the conference.
  • Another participant suggests creating a "substitute goodie bag" for the indecisive member, indicating that fairness is important in the ordering process.
  • Several users mention the possibility of getting a similar item, like a feather boa, from local stores if the original order cannot be fulfilled in time.
  • One participant shares their experience of needing a commitment for room placements and suggests communicating the financial implications of indecision.
  • Another participant reflects on the potential underlying issues affecting the team member's commitment and suggests a genuine conversation to understand their situation better.
  • Some participants discuss the logistics of providing materials for team members attending only part of the conference, questioning the necessity of full packages for those who will not be present for all events.
  • One participant shares an update about the indecisive team member finally booking their flight, expressing relief and excitement about their attendance.
  • Another participant praises the original poster for their efforts in supporting their team and reflects on their own experiences with past directors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle the situation with the indecisive team member, with some participants advocating for flexibility and understanding, while others emphasize the need for clear commitments and deadlines.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the challenges of coordinating team attendance at events and the emotional dynamics involved in leadership and team support within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar challenges with team dynamics and event planning may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant to their situations.

dannyzmom
dannyzmom
Gold Member
Messages
9,271
As a director, I have some special things I have put together for those on my team attending conference.I have one cluster member who has been waffling back & forth for a month - "I'll book my flight tonight (that was 2 weeks ago" - I hear this stuff from her every few days - flights, registration, etc...she keeps saying she's gonna book and register but has not done it yet (we are wave 2)...I really don't care to put together a whole conference package for her only to have her NOT come - one of the items I give them is a special order that there is simply no way for me to order her one and get it here in time for conference..the other is a conference notebook - I make this - and I can make one for her and use it myself if she doesn;t come...but argh!! What do I do? I would hate for her to come and me NOT have goodies for her but come one, man....poop or get off the pot, kwim?
What would you do?
 
This doesn't help but hey Carolyn can I be in your downline??? Heeheee, love the goodie package idea!
 
I would make a "substitute goodie bag"...you know candy, etc. but not with the "special items" that you have to order.

If there are any complaints, your ordering them had a deadline...all's fair!

Oops, I'm not a director, why am I reading this?
 
I would get it for her anyway.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
The feather boa is really the item that is an issue - I had to order those online and I have no source from which to get one mroe at this late date. I had actually ordered one mroe than we needed - and the none more consultant decided to come a few weeks ago - now I have no more extras.
 
well I would do the rest, and I guess she'll just be out the boa, or you could always go to Michaels or AC Moore, etc, they sell boas, and get one that looks similar. Sometimes even the dollar store has them in the kids toy section.
 
This doesn't help but hey Carolyn can I be in your downline??? Heeheee, love the goodie package idea!
Click to expand...

i second that carolyn

even if you get one at a costume store or party place store
 
Say you need to know for the room placements. Tell her some people are on a budget and you need to have 100% committment from her. If she says yes, then can't go then she will still need to pay for her portion of the room. You'll know right away if she is going or not.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Chefgirl2 said:
Say you need to know for the room placements. Tell her some people are on a budget and you need to have 100% committment from her. If she says yes, then can't go then she will still need to pay for her portion of the room. You'll know right away if she is going or not.
Click to expand...

I have said ALL these things to her & can't get a committment from her (hence why I am not running out to spend $ on another pink boa....)
 
It sounds like a recruiting conversation!!!! If everything we perfect, would she be going? It sounds like something else is going on that she hasn't told you. Maybe she got caught up in all of the excitment and committed and now is not so sure. I would call her and say (very, very genuinely), "Susie... what's going on? You've been going back and forth on this and I just want to see if everything is okay... you seem to be having a hard time committing to this and just wondered why and if there is anything I can help you do about it...." Maybe that will help! Good luck!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Here's another question for you directors...
I have 4 of my girls coming to NC.
One just announced she is flying in with us on Wednesyday night, coming to the events on Thursday..and then LEAVING Friday morning to fly to a trade show somewhere for an invention she is trying to patent. Do I give her a conference notebook? Is there any point since she is only attending opening session and one workshop? (the notebook has everything for all 4 workshops, all 3 sessions, goal planning & implementing, etc...an expenses sheet & envelope for receipts, a pencil case, etc...
DH suggests I give her a smaller notebook with just the necessary stuff for opening session & one workshop.
Her early departure also ends up costing the rest of us more $ now because she will only be staying in the room Wednesday and Thursday nights...so the three of us left will have to pay more for the last night I REALLY hope she doesn't just decide to bail altogether.
 
dannyzmom said:
Here's another question for you directors...
I have 4 of my girls coming to NC.
One just announced she is flying in with us on Wednesyday night, coming to the events on Thursday..and then LEAVING Friday morning to fly to a trade show somewhere for an invention she is trying to patent. Do I give her a conference notebook? Is there any point since she is only attending opening session and one workshop? (the notebook has everything for all 4 workshops, all 3 sessions, goal planning & implementing, etc...an expenses sheet & envelope for receipts, a pencil case, etc...
DH suggests I give her a smaller notebook with just the necessary stuff for opening session & one workshop.
Her early departure also ends up costing the rest of us more $ now because she will only be staying in the room Wednesday and Thursday nights...so the three of us left will have to pay more for the last night I REALLY hope she doesn't just decide to bail altogether.
Click to expand...

Carolyn - if you have to room-wise...add another to your room and send her my way for the 1 night. We only have 3 in our room, not 4 and would mine less cost for at least 1 night.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
janetupnorth said:
Carolyn - if you have to room-wise...add another to your room and send her my way for the 1 night. We only have 3 in our room, not 4 and would mine less cost for at least 1 night.
Click to expand...

You know - if my last-minute-Charlie consultant decides to come, I think we'll do that. We'll put the last minute girl in our room and send the two-nighter girl over to your room....great idea and it saves us ALL some $$
 
Carolyn ~

This won't help you this year, but maybe next conference, you'll want a "confirm attendance date" in order to get the complete package for your girls.

Ginny
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
Kitchen2u said:
Carolyn ~

This won't help you this year, but maybe next conference, you'll want a "confirm attendance date" in order to get the complete package for your girls.

Ginny
Click to expand...

Great idea -- be registered w/flights booked by ___ (date) if you want to get the Conference Notebook & goodies...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
Ok - here's today' supdate -- my last minute Charile just booked her flight - found herself a roommate...and is going to register eithe rtomorrow or on-site. So, I just out together her notebook - I just need to track down a hot pink boa for her now....oy, all this last minute scrambling!! But, I hafta say, I am VERY glad she is coming :)
 
Woo hoo :) That's great news Carolyn!!!
Michael's has feather boas; no idea if hot pink is a choice but I imagine that it is. :)
 
So does Hobby Lobby and Party Outlet, if you have those in your area.
 
Good news Carolyn! I hope she enjoys it!
 
You're the coolest Carolyn! I love all the extra stuff you do for your team and I know they feel loved and appreciated and feel like a part of something special and that is huge!!! I had such an awesome director and senior director for the conferences I've attended in the past! They both resigned in 2004 and this year my director (who I was reassigned to) is just not cutting it for me! She is having a lot of issues at home and I understand but she's really not motivating at all and she's, quite frankly, flat out is depressing me!:( She even has upset my hospitality director a couple of times too. My hospitatlity director is who I wish I could really be with and I get along well with her Senior director but oh well, it doesn't work that way. I will be staying with people I don't even know but I do know a lot of extended cluster members that I knew from previous conferences, I just hope I can hang out with them a lot!
Oh well.... I just will try to take this as a lesson on how not to treat my team when I am a director again!:)
Thanks for letting me whine!:(
 
Last edited:

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my team member can't decide whether to attend the conference?

Encourage your team member to weigh the benefits of attending the conference against their hesitations. Discuss what they hope to gain from the experience and help them see how it can positively impact their business and personal growth. Sometimes, just having a conversation can help clarify their thoughts.

How can I help my indecisive team member feel more confident about attending the conference?

Share success stories from previous conferences and highlight the networking opportunities, training sessions, and motivational speakers. Offer to attend the conference together, which may make them feel more comfortable and supported in their decision.

Should I set a deadline for my team member to decide about the conference?

Yes, setting a deadline can help create a sense of urgency and encourage them to make a decision. Make sure to communicate the deadline clearly and explain the importance of registering early to secure their spot and potentially save on costs.

What if my team member ultimately decides not to attend the conference?

Respect their decision and focus on keeping them engaged with the team in other ways. Encourage them to participate in follow-up meetings or share insights from the conference afterward. This way, they can still benefit from the experience indirectly.

How can I motivate my indecisive team member to see the value in attending the conference?

Highlight the specific skills and knowledge they can gain that are relevant to their role in direct sales. Discuss the potential for increased sales, improved team dynamics, and personal development. You might also suggest they set personal goals for what they want to achieve at the conference to make it more appealing.

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