Many months ago, I wrote something on my whiteboard that I intended to write about but up until now, I never did.
The thought is this:
Bend over backwards for your volunteers because if they are not happy with you or your team for any reason, they are gone.
Read that sentence again.
Never forget that there is really not that much keeping the volunteer serving. It’s not like a job where if they don’t show up, you will get fired (i.e. lose your source of income and/or your identity) If a volunteer gets bored or frustrated, they’re going to stop showing up. No love lost there, that actually gives them a little more free time. What’s the key to keeping your volunteers satisfied with their role?
1. Get to know your volunteers individually – Be personal, do what you can to learn what motivates them, both in the role they are serving in and otherwise.
2. Do activities as a team – Team building is important, it builds trust and deepens your relationships, which ultimately helps you to work better together when the pressure is on.
3. Work to plug people into roles where they are gifted – Everyone involved will be better off if you work to understand your volunteer’s gifts and desires.
4. Don’t expect too much – Remember, they are volunteers and there’s good chance you are a volunteer as well. Understand that your passion for the role you are serving in may be substantially greater than the passion your volunteer feels.
5. Have fun – Chances are, you have a job to do as a team but have fun while you are doing it.
Bonus: Have food – Food is always good so do #2 with food. Also, just showing up with food on a regular day is a good thing.
Strive to make the things that your volunteer team are involved with fun and rewarding.
What has worked for you to keep your volunteers satisfied?