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Leading Volunteers "I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things." -Mother Teresa |
Though each BSA council is unique, they have many similarities. One common theme is the importance and reliance upon our volunteers. Our volunteers are our force multipliers. Scouting would not exist without them.
Many of the responsibilities within our Scouting movement is handled by people who do not draw a paycheck. Volunteers are engaged with us the same way as staff, through relationships.
There is little difference between leading a group of volunteers and leading paid staff. Many times we think people who are not getting paid are motivated differently or that they need to be led differently. Dedicated staff are not in “it” for the money – they are motivated by a leader who is guiding them toward a common cause. The vision of what you are trying to accomplish has to be clearly understood and communicated.
It is important for volunteers and staff to feel somebody knows them, knows their life outside of Scouting, cares about their personal challenges, their family and their health. What is their pet’s name?
Effective leaders look at their volunteers as whole people, recognizing there are going to be ebbs and flows. If you have a short-term view, you just try to pump-up people to do something time consuming for a bit, and you use them-up, they will leave.
Many of the responsibilities within our Scouting movement is handled by people who do not draw a paycheck. Volunteers are engaged with us the same way as staff, through relationships.
There is little difference between leading a group of volunteers and leading paid staff. Many times we think people who are not getting paid are motivated differently or that they need to be led differently. Dedicated staff are not in “it” for the money – they are motivated by a leader who is guiding them toward a common cause. The vision of what you are trying to accomplish has to be clearly understood and communicated.
It is important for volunteers and staff to feel somebody knows them, knows their life outside of Scouting, cares about their personal challenges, their family and their health. What is their pet’s name?
Effective leaders look at their volunteers as whole people, recognizing there are going to be ebbs and flows. If you have a short-term view, you just try to pump-up people to do something time consuming for a bit, and you use them-up, they will leave.
Lead by Serving |
Effective leadership is found in serving others. Great leadership is not measured by how many people are serving you, but instead by how many people you are serving.
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Lead by Relationships |
People do not follow a title. They follow someone they respect. This does not happen overnight, but as you take time to build relationships with people.
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Lead by Following
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To be an effective leader, you must first be an effective follower. This means not becoming a silo, but instead consulting with others.
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Lead by Encouraging
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Be an intentional encourager. Walk around and personally thank your volunteers. Keep a stack of cards by your desk and discipline yourself to regularly write "thank you" notes.
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Lead by Learning
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Effective leaders are always in school. They listen to their volunteers. They ask their volunteers for input and feedback.
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Lead by Equipping
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An effective leader is an equipper. The priority is to equip volunteers for their service. Pour into others instead of trying to do everything by yourself.
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Lead by Having Character
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Character means keeping your word and delivering on what you promise. It means having integrity and honesty. It means being trustworthy and reliable. It means living by the Scout Oath and Law.
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Lead by Putting Others in the Spotlight
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Effective leaders would rather see their volunteers shine than themselves. They are quick to give others the credit for the victory and quick to take the blame for failure.
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Lead by Humility
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An effective leader is someone who is humble. If you think you are a great leader … then you are not. Pride will drive away volunteers, while humility will attract them.
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