How can you lead and mentor as a volunteer?

1 Define your role and goals

Before you start leading and mentoring as a volunteer, you need to have a clear understanding of your role and goals. What are the expectations and responsibilities of your position? What are the objectives and outcomes of your project or organization? How can you align your personal values and vision with the mission and culture of your volunteer setting? By defining your role and goals, you will be able to communicate them effectively to others, set realistic expectations, and measure your progress and impact.

2 Build trust and rapport

Leading and mentoring as a volunteer requires building trust and rapport with the people you work with. Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and it is especially important when you are in a position of influence or guidance. Rapport is the connection and mutual understanding that you establish with others, and it helps you to communicate better, resolve conflicts, and foster collaboration. To build trust and rapport as a volunteer, you need to be respectful, honest, reliable, empathetic, and supportive. You also need to listen actively, give constructive feedback, acknowledge achievements, and show appreciation.

3 Adapt to different styles and needs

As a volunteer leader and mentor, you will encounter different styles and needs among the people you work with. Some may prefer a more directive or participative approach, while others may need more autonomy or support. Some may have different learning styles, preferences, or goals, while others may face different challenges, barriers, or opportunities. To adapt to different styles and needs as a volunteer, you need to be flexible, open-minded, and respectful. You also need to observe, ask questions, and tailor your feedback, guidance, and support accordingly.

4 Share your knowledge and skills

One of the main benefits of leading and mentoring as a volunteer is that you can share your knowledge and skills with others, and help them grow and develop. Whether you are teaching a new skill, explaining a concept, demonstrating a technique, or sharing a tip, you are contributing to the learning and improvement of others. To share your knowledge and skills as a volunteer, you need to be clear, concise, and relevant. You also need to use examples, stories, or analogies to illustrate your points, and check for understanding, comprehension, and application.

5 Learn from others and yourself

Leading and mentoring as a volunteer is not only about giving, but also about receiving. You can learn a lot from the people you work with, whether they are fellow volunteers, beneficiaries, or staff members. They can offer you different perspectives, insights, experiences, or feedback that can enrich your knowledge, skills, or understanding. You can also learn from yourself, by reflecting on your actions, decisions, or outcomes, and identifying your strengths, weaknesses, or areas for improvement. To learn from others and yourself as a volunteer, you need to be curious, humble, and receptive. You also need to ask for feedback, seek opportunities, and take action.

6 Enjoy the process and the results

Leading and mentoring as a volunteer can be challenging, but it can also be fun and rewarding. You can enjoy the process of leading and mentoring by embracing the challenges, celebrating the successes, and appreciating the diversity and uniqueness of the people you work with. You can also enjoy the results of leading and mentoring by seeing the impact, growth, and development of yourself and others, and recognizing the value and contribution of your role and goals. To enjoy the process and the results as a volunteer, you need to be positive, grateful, and proud. You also need to express your joy, share your stories, and inspire others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?