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How to Generate Volunteer "Wave Power"
Leaders should be a positive force that moves with volunteers—listening carefully when they speak, valuing their contributions, and championing their ideas.
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Last evening I walked a path that travels through woods, over tall sand dunes, and arrives at the Lake Michigan shore. The wind followed me toward the lake, eventually blowing directly at the water. As the wind met the waves, the typically large waves became calm, peaceful, and a bit tranquil. Quite dull, actually. I prefer the action—crashing surf, loud noise—the lake at full potential. In somewhat similar fashion, organizations will move toward full potential when leaders figure out how to blow with the waves—and not against them. Let's dive in and see what that statement means. Picture this: The waves serve as the lake's real action. Without them, the lake stands still. What makes them come to life? The wind. Now, think about volunteers. They serve as the real action of a ministry; if they stand still, the place stands still. It might even become dull. What makes them come to life? It's the wind—in the form of effective leadership. Whenever I turn toward the people of our volunteer organization and just tell them whatever seems important to me, I can see the waves of action begin to disappear. Many leaders possess the ability to blow some seriously hard wind at people. But more power exists from blowing that same wind with people. Practically speaking, it's a good idea to listen to those who really do the work of your ministry, and then craft your words and get behind them. Especially with volunteer ministries, listen to your people and respond to them. Three examples will help you see the surf, so to speak. Each delivers a lesson, too. Example 1: "It's no big deal."Ever hear that sentence when thanking a volunteer? In reality, volunteer service—selflessly giving time and talent for others—is a very big deal. Many volunteers don't see it that way. They compare their service with the entirety of what's going on and their contribution feels small. Help them see that the entirety is made up of individual effort. Without them, everything falls apart—especially your mission. Lesson: Our work is made up of the collective effort of individuals. Maximize the value you place on people and deliberately share it loud and often; don't ever let volunteers minimize their contributions and hard work. Our organization, Kids Hope USA, seeks to bring hope and love to at-risk kids starved of these two basic life necessities. Without the mentors who meet with individual children each week, and the prayer partners who support this life-changing work, we accomplish nothing. At the end of each day, I know the work of every mentor and prayer partner helps accomplish our mission more than the organization's president (that's me). Such a realization is not noble, it's reality. The voice of those who serve in your ministry should command the attention of leadership like a marching band playing the national anthem. |        
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