Volunteer Leaders In Action: Tips for Approaching Difficult conversations with Volunteers
Have you ever found yourself at a loss for how to approach a conversation with a volunteer, whether it's offering feedback, holding someone accountable, or setting boundaries? These situations can feel uncomfortable and uncertain, leading us to avoid them altogether.
In this inspiring discussion with Erica Marks, Director of Volunteer Services at Age Well, we delve into why mastering difficult conversations is essential for the success of our volunteer programs, our volunteers, and our own well-being. Erica generously shares a framework and invaluable language tips for initiating these discussions. We also explore common scenarios where proactive and open conversations are imperative, as well as strategies to use when a conversation doesn't go as planned.
Some of my key takeaways from this conversation:
Establish Clear Expectations: Taking the time to set clear expectations and boundaries with volunteers from the outset, and ensuring they understand the rationale behind these guidelines, lays the foundation for success.
Kindness and Compassion: Even when delivering challenging news or feedback, remember the importance of acting with kindness and compassion. People may not recall exactly what was said, but they will remember how they were made to feel.
Mission and Values: Consider crafting a mission or value statement for your volunteer program. This guiding framework can inform your decision-making process and shape your interactions with volunteers.
Many, many thanks to Erica for generously sharing her time and expertise in volunteer leadership.
About Erica Marks
Erica Marks, Director of Volunteer Services for Age Well, the largest Area Agency on Aging in the state of Vermont. Erica has been training and supporting volunteers for 17 years. She led the growth and development of Age Well’s Volunteer program taking it from 100 volunteers to over 1000! one of the largest programs in the state of Vermont. She and her team created the innovative “Volunteer Respite Squad Program” which won a 2021 USAging Recognition Award in the Caregiving Category.