When working with volunteers, realize that part of your job is training — not telling people to do things, but training them to do the job.
Tell volunteers that they can come to you at any time for help and understanding. Let them know that you are available to them. Be willing to sit down individually and listen to their questions and problems.
Be sure that volunteers have complete instructions. Don't let them start a job until they know exactly what their duties and limitations are. Where appropriate, develop checklists and job descriptions for key roles.
Prepare a timeline with details on when every piece of the task should be completed. Then, follow through by monitoring progress.
- Let them know that they have accepted a responsibility, and that it is critical for them to complete that responsibility.
- Be intentional about making the work fun — laugh together and enjoy each other.
- Let them know that God has given them the talents to do this job.
Set the parameters within which the volunteers must work.
Maintain the nurturing, caring character of a good parent. If you don't, it's going to be very hard for volunteers to feel that they are a viable, and valuable, part of the team.
Begin each day with a time for prayer.
Volunteers are so important to many organizations and it all starts with the basics of good communication and teamwork.
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