November 09, 2013   by
What successful Chama know and do

What successful Chama know and do

Chama leaders face a bevy of unique challenges as they build their Chamas. One of the main challenges most leaders face is to build a strong, cohesive Chama. However, this is not impossible to do, it can be done. Here are primary ways you can build a Chama that supports your investment goals:

Think strategically

Think strategically about who you will add to your Chama and why. Assess investment goals and likeability in equal parts. Remember that you’re in the Chama to make money. Even if you have a socially conscious mission, your job is to work in the interest of the Chama instead of its parts.

Get rid of bad apples

A solid Chama is not a promise of constant harmony. There may be disruptions and some of those disruptions will be indicators of major problems. When you identify a toxic Chama member, move quickly. The longer you allow the bad apple to linger, the more likely it will spoil others in the bunch.

Come together 

The whole purpose of a Chama is to do something that couldn’t be accomplished by one person alone. That’s why we come together. Beyond that, you’ve got to define what the Chama wants to accomplish; those are the Chama goals. A Chama needs goals when members come together at the beginning and believe it or not, Chama members need goals to stay motivated to come together each month or every week. Your job as leader is to give your members a reason to come together and invest.

Stay together

There are many reasons Chamas stay together. The need for others in order to complete a specific goal is one reason. But this may not be the only catalyst. Why should your particular Chama stay together? Making sure each person on the Chama has a defined role is crucial. Each member in the Chama has to believe that they’re part of the success of the group. That no one else could perform their role as well as they can. This creates members who are invested and Chamas that stay together.

Role Definitions

Chama dynamics often suffer if they lack clearly defined roles. If your Chama lacks a leader, different members of the team may fight for this guiding role, leading to conflict where there should be cooperation. To decrease the chances that this unfortunate occurrence takes place, begin your time together as a Chama by establishing and defining roles, allowing each group member to see where he fits in the mix.

Chama Celebrations

When your Chama accomplishes something great, don’t simply let it slide by without celebrating the event. Instead, throw Chama parties regularly, taking time out to recognize the accomplishments you have made as a Chama. By doing so, you can encourage your Chama members to take time to thank one another and make it clear to them just how effective their team work is in getting things done. Mark the passage of time with celebrations that encourage your Chama members to look back on their time together.

Chama member togetherness

Chamas may perform better if team members get to know one another better outside the Chama meetings. Organise outings and encourage Chama members’ attendance to allow this growth. For example, prepare a trip for your Chama members, arranging for you all to travel together as a group. As your Chama members spend this quality time together, their relationships will naturally strengthen.

 

 

 

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