Volunteer Leaders in Action! Trust, Respect and Making an Impact – A Volunteer's Perspective
In this episode of Volunteer Leaders in Action! I talk with Jim Clark, a retired business executive and volunteer powerhouse with the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. This conversation is full of wisdom and unique perspectives on volunteer-staff dynamics.
This is a particularly meaningful conversation for me, as Jim is not just a volunteer; he's been my mentor, thought-partner, and team-member during a program redesign amidst the chaos of the pandemic. We dived into the nitty-gritty of volunteer-staff relationships, and I'm excited to share some key takeaways that you can sprinkle into your own volunteer leadership roles.
Trust is the Glue
Jim emphasizes the paramount importance of trust and respect in the collaborative working relationship between staff and volunteers. If you're leading volunteers, make it a mission to foster a culture of trust where everyone feels heard and valued, and have patience, as these relationships take time to develop.
Find the Right Fit
Volunteering is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Jim's explains his belief in the beauty of finding the right fit between a volunteer's strengths and the needs of the organization. There's a big difference between just plugging anyone into an open volunteer role, and really taking the time to match passion and skill with an organizational need! Take a cue and ensure your volunteers are in roles where they can shine and make a real impact.
Open Communication is Key
Jim's knack for asking thoughtful questions helps to open up avenues for collaborative problem-solving. As a leader, communication is at the core of our success with volunteers. This includes everything from painting the broad vision and goals of the organization so volunteers can see the big picture and their role in it, to highlight the impact volunteers are having on a daily basis. It also means being open to hearing the perspectives and ideas our volunteers have, implementing things that move you toward your mission and goals, and productively following up and explaining our rationale when a volunteer's idea is not able to be implemented. Encourage your volunteers to share ideas, and let them know that their suggestions are heard and valued, and that you're all collaborating in service of the same mission.
Express Gratitude
A sprinkle of gratitude goes a long way. Jim shared how simple thank-yous and expressions of appreciation make a world of difference. Don't forget to express gratitude to your volunteers. Let them know their efforts are seen, valued, and appreciated.
Jim’s experience is a testament to the joy of working together, learning from one another, and creating something meaningful. As you navigate your own volunteer leadership roles, remember these nuggets of wisdom and infuse some of that collaborative magic into your world. Cheers to building fantastic volunteer-staff relationships!