Every organization has its "A" team and "B" team -- or its first string and second string people. This isn't a subject to be whispered or discussed only behind closed doors. It's something that every volunteer and their managers should face up to in the open. Being on the first string is really a frame of mind, an attitude, and a high commitment to the team and its mission. It is not really a skill level. Many an expert doesn't have the team spirit just mentioned. The ability to progress to a higher skill level is based on a positive and proactive frame of mind. They like their job.
Some people have a lot a capability but they disappoint us for lack of interest, commitment, enthusiasm and performance. In other words, this activity is simply not their cup of tea. For some, the attention or interest span is short. Some are joiners; they join for a short time and either move on or give a different excuse for not responding every time you call them out.
Some managers, for political reasons, may choose to move such people into a third string that is never called. I don't recommend
leaving any unproductive volunteer in limbo; just terminate them. You don't need to carry unnecessary baggage. We find the personal briefing before enrolling any volunteer, followed by a six month probationary period, to be very successful.
Signed Stan Harter, Auxiliary Communications Service program coordinator, State of California.
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