Volunteer Management Training
Step Four: Inspire

You are at the fourth of six lessons in the short course on Volunteer Management - Step Four: Inspire. Links to the other five are at the bottom of the page.

Are you inspirational? By your example volunteers will be inspired to work hard, to involve others, to care deeply, to be creative and to spread cheer. Without your inspiration they may lose interest, be influenced by negative ideas, work half-heartedly or otherwise be less than their best.

Inspire them by your work. Have good work habits and most importantly, work hard. When they see how productive you are, they will be inspired to give their best effort.

Inspire them with your creativity. Look for creative solutions to problems. Create a creative environment. Encourage and reward creativity.

Inspire them with your enthusiasm. Let volunteers see your sincere love of and commitment to your work. Share your dreams and hopes for a project and for the organization in general. Spread good news. DO NOT complain about other volunteers, staff or board members to volunteers; that puts them in an unfair and uncomfortable position.

The other five Nonprofit Champion Actions for Great Volunteer Managers:

Ask – ask them to serve, ask for feedback, ask their opinions, ask for more

State – state your needs and expectations clearly, be sure they are understood

Listen – really listen when they speak, let them know you are interested

Include – include them in decisions that will affect them, invite them to serve on Teams

Thank – show your appreciation often and sincerely