Duplicative efforts are wasteful, especially for chapter leaders who are stretched thin. Chapters should let HQ do what it does best for members, while they focus on what they do best—and what they can do well.
When a chapter takes on too much, the leader’s job is supersized. Martyr leaders try to do it all, while more reasonable leaders feel like they’re letting people down. Both types are at risk of burnout.
As a result, in the rush to plan and launch programs, decisions are postponed and administrative work is set aside. Exhausted leaders may even step down unexpectedly.
In the long-term, members become reluctant to take on supersized leadership roles. Leadership positions are left vacant or cycled through a rotating cast of increasingly fatigued volunteers.