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"Participation - you never know where it will lead."
~ John Webster, Headmaster
San Antonio Academy
When asked what makes a good leader, John Webster is straight to the point. "A good leader is someone who is respected enough that people want to follow him/her." By that definition, John Webster is an extraordinary leader; one who - simply put - inspires loyalty and trust. He is the quintessential headmaster; the kind of man you don't want to disappoint.
In the eight years I worked as an independent contractor for San Antonio Academy, I found the people he recruited as volunteer leaders for The Academy rose to the challenge; they wanted to make him proud, they wanted to make a difference for their community, they wanted to live up to the words of The Academy's motto: "Be honest. Be kind. Be the best you can be.®"
As Headmaster for San Antonio Academy for 26 years, Webster has recruited his fair share of volunteer leaders - from special event chairpersons to board members to capital campaign and annual fund leaders. He is so successful, many times in my coaching and consulting work, I hold him up as an example of someone who really knows how to recruit, groom and cultivate great leaders and volunteers.
"When I see parents who have leadership potential, I try to get them involved in a volunteer opportunity," Webster said. "Many times, it leads to other leadership opportunities, such as work on the board."
When he begins the process of recruiting a family for a volunteer leadership role, such as chairperson of the Fall Family Fair or the Spring Thing fundraising events, Webster plays to his strengths as an effective leader who has earned the respect of his community.
"My goal is to take the relationship to the next level."
Webster calls the parents to the school for a meeting, assuring them that everything is fine with their son, and then he explains his mission.
"I am asking you a favor, and I am asking out of respect," he tells the family.
Once they are sitting down face-to-face, Webster discusses the work he is asking the parents to do, and details the specifics of the work, the commitment and the expectations. "Job descriptions are essential," Webster says. "There is no wrong answer when the prospective volunteer says 'yes' or 'no,'" Webster explains. "What is important is the relationship. If the volunteer feels pressure and accepts when he or she should say no, the relationship suffers."
Webster feels strongly that he needs to make that request himself. "I want to show respect for them, show them how critical their role is, show them my support and make them feel special as a way to ultimately strengthen the relationship. If I send someone else, it diminishes the importance of what I am asking."
There is no doubt the leaders he recruits have their work cut out for them...read more | 
