American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Volunteer Group Leadership Trio
Accountabilities and Norms

Purpose

The purpose of the Volunteer Group Leadership Trio is to successfully facilitate the work of the group to achieve the specified charges. The trio is comprised of a volunteer leader, board member and staff person, who each bring specific expertise and skills to the leadership of the group. It is essential that the trio work collaboratively to maximize the skills that each brings and thus yield cohesive, productive and successful group outcomes.

Responsibilities

There is a specific job description for each member of the leadership trio; chairperson, board liaison and staff liaison. It is important that each member of the trio is familiar with the job responsibilities of their partners so the trio can work more effectively.

In addition to the individual job descriptions, the following are the joint accountabilities that each role shares. These are listed on the individual job descriptions, but are also called out here to emphasize role each plays in building the necessary collaborative relationship.

1. Foster a collaborative working environment between the Staff Liaison, Board Liaison and Chairperson.
   • Review the charges approved by the Board and develop an action plan for achieving the outcomes.
   • Contribute to, accept and own team decisions.
   • Develop all conference call and meeting agendas.
   • Plan how workload will be distributed and develop project timelines.
   • Monitor progress of volunteer groups towards achieving the approved charges.
   • Communicate regularly regarding the progress of the group and jointly resolve any challenges that may impede the group's progress.
   • Identify potential chairs for coming year, communicate with them accordingly and forward recommendation to President-Elect.
   • Conduct the application review and if needed the interview process for group members for the coming year and forward recommendations to the President-Elect.
   • Jointly conducts annual evaluation of each group member.

Communication Norms

1. Communicate directly and honestly with one another and group members.
2. Resolve conflicts between the trio members effectively and professionally. Whenever possible deal directly with other individual(s) to resolve the conflict.
3. Conflicts within the group should be resolved effectively and professionally. Whenever possible, dealing directly with the individuals involved. If they are not able to resolve the conflict, the leadership trio should facilitate a resolution.
4. Provide feedback to the other trio members and in turn receive and act on feedback and/or criticism in a positive manner.
5. During the workweek, the trio is expected to check voice mail once a week and e-mail at least four times a week.
6. During the year, communicate with group members on a monthly basis to update them on work progress.
7. If a response is desired for a message on voice mail or e-mail, the need for response will be explicit including a deadline for response. In these instances, utilize the "reply to all" function so everyone remains in the loop.
8. If communication is desired to be confidential, it should be made explicit in the message.
9. During the year, one of the leadership trio may have the need to be disengaged from their role for a period of time due to life issues. If this should occur, the individual should notify the other members of the trio sothey can assist and maintain the group progress.
10. If a member of the leadership trio is going to be out of communication for more than one week (ie. extended vacation) they will notify the other members of the trio.
11. Talking on cell/car phones while driving a vehicle has been found to be unsafe. Because of the potential for harm to self or others, AACN staff and volunteers are prohibited from using the phone for AACN business while driving.