9.4 Substitutes #

The most passionate staff members aren't hired. They emerge.

Hire slow. Very slow.

Your community's pace of change will outrun your hiring process every time. While you're posting job listings and conducting interviews, your community has already evolved.

By the time your new hire is onboarded, the role may no longer be relevant.

That's why staffing up early is often a mistake.

Instead, watch for the substitutes. These are the members who step into gaps without being asked.

The ones who welcome newcomers before you get to them. The ones who answer questions before you see them. The ones who create resources the community needs. The ones who organize unofficial events or start side conversations.

They're not doing it for a paycheck. They're doing it because they care.

Sometimes, being deliberately understaffed is the best strategy. It creates space for natural leaders to emerge. It reveals what roles are actually essential. It shows you who's truly invested in your community's success.

These aren't just gap-fillers. They're the prototypes for your future team.

When these leaders surface, you have options. Keep them as trusted volunteers. Reward them with recognition or perks. Eventually bring them on as formal staff.

But don't rush it. Organic leadership is a precious resource.

The best community staff don't apply for the job. They're already doing it before you even write the description.