How can you show vulnerability and authenticity as a volunteer manager?

1 Why vulnerability and authenticity matter

Vulnerability and authenticity are essential for effective volunteer management because they allow you to connect with your volunteers on a human level, understand their motivations and challenges, and inspire them to take action. Showing vulnerability and authenticity also helps you to create a culture of openness, feedback, and learning, where you can acknowledge your mistakes, celebrate your successes, and grow from your experiences. By being vulnerable and authentic, you can also demonstrate your values, vision, and passion for your cause, and invite others to join you in your mission.

2 How to show vulnerability and authenticity in recruitment

Recruiting volunteers requires you to show vulnerability and authenticity in your communication, whether it is online, in person, or through other channels. You can demonstrate this by sharing your personal story and why you care about your cause, highlighting the impact and benefits of volunteering for your organization, being honest about the expectations, challenges, and opportunities of the volunteer role, asking open-ended questions and listening to the potential volunteers' interests, skills, and motivations, and expressing gratitude for their interest and involvement. Doing this will help you attract people who share your passion, values, and goals.

3 How to show vulnerability and authenticity in training

Training is an essential element of volunteer management, as it equips volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their roles and responsibilities. It also serves as a platform to demonstrate vulnerability and authenticity, which can set the tone for your relationship and collaboration. To show vulnerability and authenticity in training, you can share your goals, vision, and strategy for your organization and project, explain the purpose, values, and principles of your organization and project, admit when you don't know something and ask for help or feedback when needed, encourage questions, comments, and suggestions from your volunteers, and provide constructive and positive feedback to your volunteers.

4 How to show vulnerability and authenticity in supervision

Supervision is an ongoing process of monitoring, supporting, and evaluating your volunteers' performance and satisfaction. It is also a way to demonstrate your commitment, care, and respect for them by checking in regularly and asking how they are doing. Acknowledging their achievements and contributions can make them feel appreciated. Apologizing and taking responsibility when you make a mistake or cause a problem shows vulnerability and authenticity. Sharing your challenges and frustrations with volunteers and asking for their input or advice can be a way to connect with them. Inviting their feedback on your work and project is another way to show that you value their opinion.

5 How to show vulnerability and authenticity in retention

Retention is a process of keeping volunteers engaged, motivated, and loyal to your organization and project. It is also a way to show vulnerability and authenticity to volunteers by celebrating milestones and successes with them, sharing stories and experiences, and asking for their suggestions and ideas. Furthermore, offering them opportunities for learning, development, and growth, as well as showing interest in their personal and professional goals and aspirations, can demonstrate your appreciation, recognition, and value for them.

6 How to show vulnerability and authenticity in recognition

Recognition is a way of thanking, honoring, and rewarding your volunteers for their service, dedication, and impact. It is also a means of demonstrating vulnerability and authenticity to your volunteers, expressing your respect, admiration, and affection. You can show vulnerability and authenticity in recognition by giving personalized and sincere compliments and thank-you notes to your volunteers, highlighting their strengths, skills, and talents, sharing their stories and testimonials with your organization and partners, inviting them to participate in events or ceremonies, or giving them meaningful gifts or certificates. Ultimately, recognition is an opportunity to demonstrate your appreciation for the positive influence of your volunteers.

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?