The Art of Volunteer Coordination
Leadership: Creating Cultures of Open Communication
Andrew Bryant
We Don’t Pay You
So what does this mean?
• This is not income that a person needs.
• This is not necessarily a career pathway that a person needs to travel.
• There is a lowered threshold of risk if this doesn’t work out.
• Poor or ineffective communication creates an environment that makes it easier to leave.
What do I need to think about?
• Why is this person here?
• What do they need to make it attractive to stay? What is the best workplace culture we can create for all?
• How can I communicate in a way that suits their personality and style?
From the Beginning……
Start how you intend to continue
• Values-based – why am I here? Why are you here? Why are we here?
• Honest, productive feedback – both positive and constructive (Don’t do the “sandwich”)
• Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind. *
• Making efforts to communicate in ways that meet everyone.
* Brene Brown, 2018
Values
What are our shared values?
• The volunteers you are leading will always, ALWAYS, eventually disagree with HOW you’re doing something. Make the focus the WHO and the WHY, keep coming back to it.
• What are the values you share? What made them volunteer here in the first place?
• Everything you do, whether reviewing something existing or doing something new – identify it with how it fits the shared values.
Feedback Giving and Receiving
• Make it explicit – when someone comes on board, let them know – we give and receive feedback here, in order to keep doing what we do well, and to keep it enjoyable.
• Model the giving and receiving of feedback.
• Am I giving this feedback to help the team or those we serve? In the long-term, will giving this feedback help or hinder us? I I don’t give it, in the long-term, will it help or hinder us?
• Am I being clear? If not, why not? Their discomfort? Or mine?
Communication Styles
Meeting People Where They Are
• What level of detail does this person need to feel comfortable and do the job well?
• If I am wanting quality input or feedback, how long does this person need? (Extrovert or introvert?)
• Mirroring energy levels.
• Written communication – friendly but still professional.