Encouraging the staff and volunteers to take on more responsibility is one way of letting them know they are crucial to the success of the programs. Involving all participants in the planning and organizational design is another way of recognizing their expertise. We should never be too busy to praise a job well done. Directing The final basic management principle of concern to Extension personnel is directing. Directing is less about telling people what to do than it is about motivating, communicating, and working with them in groups.
Leadership helps volunteers and paid staff fulfill the organizational mission.
A participatory management style is recommended with the Extension professional serving as a focal point to helping the team achieve results. The professional must know how to motivate others and how to communicate with them. A good manager understands group dynamics and the importance of assisting and not simply telling others what to do. The manager's role is to take a group of soloists and create a symphony of highly trained and skilled personnel working toward a common goal. During 20 years with the Ohio State University Extension, the author used these business principles to develop a stronger 4-H program.