Champions may be self-starters and go-getters by nature, but they will still require some handling. Here are some things to watch out for with your local champion to help them succeed and reach their full potential.

Burnout: When someone puts their heart into a cause, the effort can cause burnout. It can happen to anyone. Taking on their traditional job as wells as duties for a coalition takes time away from their families, hobbies, and vacation time. To help, plan a quarterly check-in with your champion. This can help get ahead of burnout and manage it as it comes. It allows for open communication, which is valuable if you do need to find some additional support or a new champion. Always be appreciative and acknowledge the work your champion puts into the coalition. Vocalize it regularly. Appreciation doesn’t only motivate, but it’s also a source of encouragement.

Managing their Agenda: What’s in it for me? Remember this question as you manage your champion. More often than not, champions will have their own motivation for working with the coalition. Being aware of their agenda can be either beneficial or harmful to the coalition. Have open communication about the benefit the champion has from working with the collation, ensuring their intentions will benefit the community in the long run. Remember, it’s not about winning, it’s about the community. Be open with your champion. Find a plan that works for both parties and the ultimate success of the action plan.

Evaluation of Roles, Responsibilities, and Performance: Champions are not exempt from evaluation on success of the coalition and action plan. The cause always comes first. Champions should be evaluated on a yearly basis or as often as needed based on the results of subsequent evaluations. Here are some things to consider in evaluation:

• Who to include: Coalition coordinator checks in with core workgroup on below list and initiates follow-up with champion if needed.
• Performance of role and responsibilities based on coalition bylaws, the action plan, and agreed upon terms of the workgroup.
• Support of action plan and engagement.
• Meeting and event attendance.
• Partnership evaluation – is the agenda of the coalition and the champion still aligned and mutually beneficial.
• Burnout and support check.

Frequency of Check-Ins: A monthly check-in with your local champion is recommended to stay in contact. It will also help them stay engaged and attending coalition meetings. It allows open communications and proactivity if any issues arise. Your local champion should be deeply and frequently integrated into your progress.

How to manage negative results: In your search for a champion you should have reviewed the champion’s agenda and connection to the cause. Understanding their agenda, how they work and what their expectations are can help you manage negative results and work through barriers. Make it clear what is in it for them to continue to stick it out and try again. Keep their personality, interests, values and what motivates them in mind when setting up the conversation. Approach it with an understanding of how you can find a solution to move forward. It may take a while and you should always use your coach as a resource for how to mitigate and losses and keep encouraging your champion.