Managing a team in an association presents unique challenges. Unlike traditional businesses, associations often rely on volunteers who are passionate about their work, but who may have limited time available. To maximise the effectiveness and commitment of volunteers, it’s crucial to have the right tools and techniques at your disposal. In this article, we’ll explore how to structure and facilitate team management within an association, using appropriate management software.
Team management within an association
Team management in an association involves many aspects, from planning activities to real-time communication with members. It is essential to create an environment where every volunteer feels valued and involved.
To achieve this, a number of strategies can be put in place, such as :
- Structuring roles and responsibilities: Each member of the association must know exactly what is expected of them.
- Facilitate communication: Use tools to communicate effectively and in real time.
- Anticipate needs: Plan activities and resources in advance.
- Creating a sense of belonging: Organising events and newsletters to keep volunteers involved.
What are the 4 pillars of volunteer management?
To manage a team of volunteers effectively, it is crucial to focus on four main pillars:
- Recruitment and integration: Attracting motivated volunteers and integrating them quickly into the team.
- Training and development: Provide appropriate training to improve volunteers’ skills.
- Recognition and acknowledgement: Recognise volunteers’ efforts and acknowledge them to maintain their commitment.
- Communication and coordination: Using management tools to coordinate activities and communicate effectively.
The best software for managing an association team
Management software is essential for structuring and helping to manage an association. Here is a selection of the best tools available:
Teambook, general-purpose management software tailored to non-profit organisations
Teambook is project management software designed for service organisations, which can also be used by associations. Teambook lets you plan and allocate the activities of the people involved in projects and synchronise this information with everyone’s calendars.
Thanks to its resource management functions, it is possible to anticipate needs and easily collect the information required for the smooth running of the association.
Features include
- ability to create personalised schedules,
- management of each person’s availability,
- Advanced planning and availability management features.
- Real-time notifications to keep members informed of updates.
Key features:
- Intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
- Swiss tool and data stored in Europe.
- Very low cost (from USD 3 per month, regardless of the number of users)
- Support available in 5 languages (French, English, German, Spanish and Italian).
Weaknesses :
- Limited customisation options for certain types of group.
- General-purpose tool: Teambook was not initially designed for the sports sector, so it remains a tool with more general resource planning functions.
Bexio, the financial management application for associations
Bexio is a solution designed for SMEs and associations alike, offering tools for managing finances, members and projects. It allows you to create detailed reports, streamline communication and structure internal processes for greater efficiency.
Its features:
- The management tool that simplifies your tasks, bexio supports organisations in their administrative tasks. You can manage your members, suppliers and all your contacts simply and efficiently.
- Easy online accounting management for non-profit organisations.
- Quick overview of product and merchandise inventories.
Atolia, a solution to facilitate exchanges
Atolia is a collaborative tool that helps associations work together efficiently. It offers messaging, project management and file sharing functions to facilitate coordination and communication between members.
Its features:
- Communicate easily with everyone.
- Finalise your projects more quickly.
- Forget endless meetings and emails, switch to « one-place collaboration ».
- Combine the best of synchronous and asynchronous collaboration in one place.
Netframe, engaging team management
Netframe is a platform offering community management solutions. It creates a shared workspace where members can collaborate, share information and stay connected using real-time communication tools.
Features:
- Simple, intuitive, user-friendly document management.
- Groups for sharing work.
- An activity flow.
- A personal workspace.
Monclubsportif.com, management software for sports associations
Monclubsportif.com is a management software package specially designed for sports associations. It lets you manage registrations and event calendars, and facilitates communication with association members. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to structure activities and keep everyone informed.
Features:
- A management platform to :
- make your life easier thanks to its various modules.
- A web and mobile platform to centralise all your team management tasks.
- A web and mobile platform to centralise all your team management tasks.
Conclusion
Team management in an association can be complex, but with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to structure and facilitate this task effectively. By using appropriate management software such as Teambook, Bexio, Atolia, Netframe and Monclubsportif.com, associations can improve their organisation, anticipate needs and maintain a high level of commitment among volunteers. If you are looking to optimise the management of your association team, consider opening an account with Teambook to discover how this tool can transform your organisation.
