Becoming a Leader of Volunteers: What to Look For and How to Excel

Leadership in volunteer management is a fulfilling and impactful role, allowing individuals to drive community engagement and amplify the mission of an organisation. Whether you are considering transitioning to a new organisation or stepping into this role for the first time, understanding what the position entails and how to excel is crucial. Here, we explore what to look for in a volunteer leadership role, the skills needed, and the qualities that define the best leaders of volunteers.

What to Look for in a Volunteer Leadership Role

When evaluating potential roles, it’s important to consider both the organisational culture and the specifics of the position. Key aspects to assess include:

1. Alignment with Personal Values

• Ensure the organisation’s mission and values resonate with your own. Passion for the cause will fuel your commitment and inspire volunteers.

2. Supportive Environment

• Look for an organisation that values its volunteers and provides adequate resources for their development. A strong infrastructure for volunteer management is essential.

3. Opportunities for Growth

• Seek roles that offer opportunities to expand your skills, whether through training, networking, or leadership development programmes.

4. Clear Expectations

• Understand the scope of the role. Are you responsible for recruitment, training, and retention? Will you manage volunteer programmes, or will your role also involve strategic planning?

5. Collaboration and Autonomy

• Assess the balance between team collaboration and autonomy in decision-making. The best roles empower leaders to innovate while fostering teamwork.

Skills Needed to Excel as a Leader of Volunteers

1. Communication Skills

• Effective communication is central to motivating and guiding volunteers. This includes active listening, delivering clear instructions, and providing constructive feedback.

2. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

• Building strong relationships with volunteers requires understanding their motivations and challenges. Empathy fosters trust and loyalty.

3. Organisational Skills

• Managing schedules, coordinating events, and tracking volunteer progress demand strong organisational abilities. Tools like project management software can help.

4. Conflict Resolution

• The ability to navigate disagreements or misunderstandings is essential. A good leader resolves conflicts with fairness and diplomacy.

5. Adaptability

• Volunteer roles often involve unpredictable challenges. Being flexible and creative in problem-solving is key.

6. Leadership and Team-Building

• Inspiring and uniting volunteers around a shared vision requires strong leadership. Recognise individual contributions while fostering a sense of community.

What Makes the Best Leader of Volunteers?

1. Passion for the Cause

• A genuine commitment to the organisation’s mission is contagious. Volunteers are more likely to stay engaged when they see their leader’s enthusiasm.

2. Inclusivity

• The best leaders create an environment where everyone feels valued. This involves recruiting a diverse range of volunteers and ensuring their needs are met.

3. Recognition and Appreciation

• Celebrating achievements and showing gratitude boosts volunteer morale. Simple gestures, like thank-you notes or public acknowledgments, go a long way.

4. Visionary Thinking

• A great leader sees the bigger picture and aligns volunteer efforts with organisational goals. This includes identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.

5. Commitment to Development

• Investing in volunteers’ skills and providing opportunities for growth enriches their experience and enhances the organisation’s impact.

Transitioning to a New Organisation

If you are considering a move to another organisation, take these steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Research the Organisation

• Learn about its mission, values, and reputation. Speak with current or former volunteers to gain insights into the culture.

2. Evaluate the Role

• Understand how your skills and experiences align with the role’s requirements. Consider whether the organisation’s goals match your aspirations.

3. Network with Peers

• Connect with other volunteer managers to exchange experiences and gain perspective on what makes a successful transition.

4. Plan for Success

• Develop a clear vision for your first few months in the role. Identify priorities and set realistic goals.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Volunteer Retention

• Volunteers may leave due to lack of engagement or recognition. To address this, provide regular feedback, celebrate milestones, and ensure roles are meaningful.

2. Resource Constraints

• Many organisations operate on limited budgets. Be creative in leveraging community partnerships, grants, or in-kind donations to support volunteer programmes.

3. Burnout

• Volunteer leaders often juggle multiple responsibilities. Prevent burnout by delegating tasks, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care.

Examples of Outstanding Volunteer Leadership

1. Building Community Partnerships

• A leader of a food distribution programme partnering with local businesses to secure donations and recruit volunteers, creating a sustainable and impactful initiative.

2. Innovating Volunteer Roles

• A museum developing virtual docent programmes, enabling people with mobility challenges to contribute as online guides.

3. Mentorship Programmes

• A youth organisation pairing experienced volunteers with newcomers, fostering skill-sharing and stronger connections within the team.

Conclusion

Becoming a leader or manager of volunteers is both a responsibility and a privilege. By choosing roles that align with your values, honing essential skills, and embodying the qualities of a great leader, you can create meaningful experiences for volunteers and drive lasting impact in your community. The best leaders inspire, empower, and uplift those around them, leaving a legacy of collaboration and positive change.

If you are considering transitioning to a new organisation or thinking about stepping into this role for the first time, contact Cheryll Martin QSO, General Manager, Volunteering Auckland.

Written by: Cheryll Martin QSO, Volunteering Auckland