The SEG 
Nonprofit Blog

Are Your Volunteers Supporting the Same Mission as You?

By Tim Deuitch  |  October 7, 2016

Are Your Volunteers Supporting the Same Mission as You?

Ever watch a foot race on television, as in track events at the Olympics? While the runners begin together they soon spread out across the course. They move at varying speeds – some sprint to the front, and others start slow – they get caught in packs, they falter, and so on.

The fool’s gold of a Board/Committee meeting is when they all appear to be on the same page but in reality they are spread out around the track, and you don’t learn this until it’s time for them to deliver. Imagine if you could ‘see’ the actual alignment of your volunteers. Here are a few insights to help you know them better:

What do they say about your organization? Watch them position your cause. Are their words fresh or the same they’ve used for years? Can they enthusiastically articulate your strategic plan? Can they articulate your vision and why people should jump on board?
Do they advance your organization? Being good stewards is a threshold responsibility that protects the investment of supporters, but it is their actions that advance the organization. They must have a bias for action and forward thinking.
Do they follow-through? The best volunteers bring you thought, inspiration, and deed. Always pursue all three. Don’t keep or recruit anyone that doesn’t follow-though.
Here’s to being vigilant on the keys above, and to finishing the race together. Good luck!

MEET THE AUTHOR

Tim Deuitch

Senior Performance Consultant

Tim brings over 25 years of experience working closely with business leaders throughout the Twin Cities and the USA. He has worked within a multitude of workplace cultures and economic cycles, helping leaders and teams improve their effectiveness and results. Since joining SEG in 2007, Tim has continued his work as a change agent, helping organizations meet their goals. Tim graduated from Warren Wilson College in 1983 with a B.S. degree in social work.

Recent Posts

Monthly Tips and Insights to Help Develop Your Best Talent

Join over 1,100 professionals for the Strategic Insights Newsletter
Copyright Strategic Enhancement Group 2006-2023 All Rights Reserved
Site by Neuvocreate