In this edition of his blog series, NCVS Volunteering Development Officer Dave Thomas turns the spotlight on leaders of volunteers.
Volunteering is a cornerstone of community building and social impact. At the heart of successful volunteer initiatives are effective leaders of volunteers who guide, motivate, and support their teams. Being a leader of volunteers is not merely about managing tasks; it involves inspiring others and fostering a positive environment.
Here are the key skills and attributes that I believe we all strive for in effective volunteer leadership:
1. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. For a leader of volunteers, this quality is vital as it helps them connect with team members on a personal level. Understanding the motivations, concerns, and challenges of volunteers enables leaders to provide appropriate support and encouragement.
Empathy fosters a compassionate environment, making volunteers feel valued and respected. This sense of understanding not only enhances team cohesion but also motivates volunteers to contribute wholeheartedly. Click here to read about eight exercises to help develop empathy.
2. Communication skills
Clear and effective communication is the backbone of any leadership role, and volunteer leadership is no exception. A great leader of volunteers must articulate the organisation's mission, objectives, and tasks clearly. They need to listen actively, ensuring that volunteers feel heard and understood.
Effective communication also involves providing constructive feedback and recognising the contributions of volunteers. This two-way communication builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and keeps everyone aligned with the project’s goals.
Test your own communication skills here. It will ask for a postcode before you get your results.
3. Adaptability
The landscape of volunteer work can be unpredictable. Challenges, such as changing community needs, limited resources, and unforeseen obstacles, often require leaders of volunteers to be adaptable.
It was Gandhi who said, 'Be the change you want to see'. This famous quote has long been an inspiration for positive change, and it’s certainly true that if you want your team to become more adaptable, you’ll first need to model this behaviour yourself.
Adaptability involves being open to new ideas, willing to adjust plans, and quick to find creative solutions. Leaders who can pivot in response to changing circumstances ensure that projects continue smoothly and volunteers remain engaged and motivated, even in the face of challenges.
I rather like this blog about adapting to change: Five tips for dealing with change.
4. Organisational skills
Effective leaders of volunteers are also skilled organisers. They manage time, resources, and people efficiently to ensure that volunteer activities run smoothly. This includes coordinating schedules, assigning tasks based on individual strengths, and setting realistic deadlines.
Strong organisational skills help in managing the logistics of volunteer work, ensuring that all participants know what is expected of them and that the project stays on track.
See my recent blog, Volunteer Management Software Review, for some ideas about tools that could help you to be more organised in your volunteer leadership.
5. Inspirational leadership
Finally, a leader of volunteers should be inspirational. They lead by example, demonstrating passion and commitment to the cause.
An inspirational leader motivates volunteers through their own dedication and enthusiasm, creating a positive and energising atmosphere. They celebrate successes, acknowledge hard work, and foster a sense of community and shared purpose.
We use the term Leader of Volunteers very deliberately. I decided to try to become a better leader by finding out what made a bad one, and then try to do the opposite. Worried about bad leadership? 10 warning signs of bad leaders.
Being an effective leader of volunteers requires a blend of empathy, communication, adaptability, organisational skills, and the ability to inspire. These qualities not only enhance the volunteer experience but also drive meaningful impact in the community. Leaders who embody these attributes can make a lasting difference, guiding their teams to achieve shared goals and create positive change.
Of course, I’d like your thoughts about anything in this blog. What have I missed, what other tools or resources do you use, and what have I said that you agree with? Let me know at davet@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.
