This Autocrat's Attitude - Part 2

Click here to read Part 1.

Autocrats frequently get a bad name – some of them deserve it. Happily, it is possible to autocrat an event without being an overbearing tyrant – or being perceived as one. If you are thinking about entering a bid with your group to autocrat an event, here are a few things to consider…

Know the job
• “Autocrat” is not a title, it’s not a position of authority, and it’s definitely not a position of power. It’s a position of responsibility. The Autocrat is responsible for working together with the group and its officers to organize an event.

Know yourself
• Be brutally honest here. You are one person, and you have a mundane life to deal with while you’re organizing this event. Know what you are able to do and what you’ll have time to do in the months leading up to the event. Delegate everything else. Just remember to touch base with the folks who are helping you to make sure their projects are all on track.

• On the subject of delegation: Whoever says, “We oughta…” just volunteered to do it.


Be flexible
• Unforseen circumstances will occur, that’s a given. Avoid scheduling activities that only you can handle, so that you can remain available to deal with the unexpected.

• You’re not the only person with good ideas – don’t be afraid to listen to what others have to say.


Be reliable
• If you say you are going to do something, do it.

• The Autocrat never leaves the site during an event unless absolutely necessary!

• If it becomes necessary to leave the site during an event, always make sure at least one person (preferably a group officer) knows where you are going, why, how to contact you, and when you expect to return.