"Volunteers, like employees (and children) need guidance and proper training in order for them to succeed in their work." Heidi Richards
Recruiting volunteers is only half the challenge in any company. You must train them properly so that work from real estate. How we help volunteers recognize the fruits of their service, we must also recognize that there may be a downside. Volunteering takes time away from family or personal pursuits. Good leaders "tell it like it is" being careful not to underestimate what is expected. Let your volunteers know in advance exactly what is involved in their tasks and what is expected of them and they appreciate you for that. Personal contact is the key to recruit more effectively. While the volunteers responding to public tenders, such as ads and media ads, respond more easily to personal invitations to participate. Make sure that the people being recruited are the right fit and not just say yes to a good "sales pitch." Motivate volunteers means that they feel wanted and needed, are an important part of the organization, are accepted by the group and who are contributing to the heart of the community. Registration volunteers selectively with the new long-term commitment as the main criteria will ensure that they are "motivated" from the beginning. People like to be appreciated. We all want to be recognized for our contributions. It makes us feel good when we are thanked for our efforts. Appreciated volunteers are more likely to continue to serve. Recognition should be commensurate to what the volunteer has done, must be earned. False praise can be counterproductive and even offensive to some.
Service to others and a sense of accomplishment are other key components to motivate volunteers. There is a special satisfaction that goes along with life a little 'less difficult for someone else. It makes us feel better about ourselves. When volunteers reach their goals, saying to them is just the beginning. Telling others in newsletters, press releases and the conversation goes hand in hand with a strengthening commitment to a volunteer. Community volunteering is about service to others. Leaders help volunteers recognize that their contribution of time, talent and treasure to improve the quality of life of others and themselves.
To help your volunteers really a success, good leaders must help them to feel a sense of security, adventure and belonging. Volunteers must feel "safe" to make mistakes without feeling embarrassed or being damaged. We must make every effort not to put volunteers in situations that make them feel unsafe, uncomfortable or unprepared. Programs trained volunteers will give a sense of security needed to carry out their roles.
Many volunteers needed for new experiences and challenges to maintain their interest. They like to be on the "cutting edge" of innovation and experience. If we ask our volunteers to do the same thing the same way we have always done them, we lose. Some volunteers are carpenters natural. The need to belong is so strong that sometimes we "bite more than we can chew." However, most volunteers have a deep sense of satisfaction when they belong to organizations that can be identified. Leaders who continually remind the volunteers that their involvement is useful and valuable will keep volunteers involved. Volunteers must feel they are doing something important and that are accepted. This produces motivated, committed volunteers.
© 2005 - Heidi Richards
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