Scene to read · Communication, Motivation
Stipend: tell them now?
You are a newer volunteer at a community bike workshop, and Silvio and Simeon have asked how you think the group should be told about a proposed change.
After closing, you are in the workshop's back room, with the donation jar on the bench. Silvio, 49, the founder, wants to use increased donations for small monthly volunteer stipends, but the details aren't settled. Simeon, 62, a long-time volunteer, worries that stipends will make helping feel like employment; they disagree about whether to tell everyone now or wait for a clearer plan.
The scene
Silvio: Donations are up. Could we tell everyone we're considering monthly volunteer stipends?
Simeon: It's still unfinished. People might think we're turning volunteering into a job.
Silvio: But hearing it secondhand could make them think we've already decided.
Simeon: Could we wait until we can explain it clearly without shutting people out?
The two questions
- 1How would you advise Silvio and Simeon to handle telling the volunteer group, and why?
- 2When, if ever, is it better to wait until a plan is worked out before sharing a change with the people it affects?
What raters look for
- Communication
- Listens first, speaks clearly and respectfully, and adapts the message to the listener.
- Motivation
- Shows genuine, sustained drive and a clear reason for choices, including when work is unglamorous.
Answer scenarios like this on the real timers
Answer both questions on the clock, and get each one scored 1–9 the way raters score. Your first set is free, no card.
Practice free
