Details:
Friday 13:00-1:00 UTC, Arts 1 (on-site in Lisbon)
Space is limited to 20 people. Advance signup is preferred, but drop-ins will be accepted if there is space.

Description:
A key role for convention leaders is to ensure that ‘the right people are doing the right things, at the right time’, covering all staff and managers in the con organisation. This is an often-overlooked responsibility and one that many have little experience and training in, particularly in voluntary organisations where the rewards are personal and social. With the complexity and the workload for con managers growing, we will look at how to find and keep the right people to run your events sustainably and safely, while maintaining the social and fun elements.

In this session we will cover:

1) Recruitment - what, where, when & how: role definition and clarity; structural considerations (incl. deputies, & assistants) & delegation; developing management and content skills and training.
2) Vision, engagement and getting buy-in. Building enthusiasm, excitement, brilliance, leadership, creativity, risk-taking and fun, while maintaining focus and a consistent level of energy.
3) Identifying and encouraging potential and promoting fast (enough), but not too fast.
4) Monitoring performance and the warning signs to look out for. Giving feedback and how to deal with hard decisions.
5) Risks to watch out for: Lack of (self) objectivity (founder’s syndrome); too few doing too much; over-promoting (Peter Principle); doing the wrong job (chairs should not be DH’s); too soon/too late – when to ‘activate’; being nice v being kind – bringing balance and realism.

Workshop Leader
Vincent Docherty is a Scottish fan and con-runner, who co-chaired the Glasgow Worldcons in 1995 & 2005. He has worked at all levels of convention organisations since he first encountered organised fandom in 1978, with a particular focus on developing organiser's leadership and management abilities. He brings experience and skills in organisation development, coaching, change management, team-building and team-effectiveness from his 34-year career in a large energy company.