How do you give the right amount of praise to your volunteers?

1 Know your volunteers

The first step to giving the right amount of praise to your volunteers is to know them as individuals. What are their motivations, interests, goals, and preferences? How do they like to receive feedback and recognition? Some volunteers may prefer a public shout-out, while others may appreciate a handwritten note or a personal conversation. Some volunteers may value a certificate, a badge, or a gift card, while others may enjoy a social event, a learning opportunity, or a testimonial. The key is to tailor your praise to your volunteers' personalities and needs, and to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.

2 Be specific and sincere

The second step to giving the right amount of praise to your volunteers is to be specific and sincere. Generic and vague compliments like "good job" or "thank you for your help" may not convey the full extent of your gratitude and appreciation. Instead, try to highlight the concrete impact and outcomes of your volunteers' work, and how they aligned with your organization's mission and values. For example, you could say "Thank you for tutoring the students in math. You helped them improve their grades and confidence." or "We appreciate your creativity and initiative in designing the newsletter. You increased our engagement and awareness among our supporters." Be honest and authentic in your praise, and avoid exaggerating or flattery.

3 Be timely and consistent

The third step to giving the right amount of praise to your volunteers is to be timely and consistent. Don't wait until the end of the project or the year to acknowledge your volunteers' achievements and contributions. Instead, try to provide feedback and recognition as soon as possible, and on a regular basis. This way, you can reinforce positive behaviors, celebrate milestones, and motivate your volunteers to keep up the good work. You can also use different channels and formats to express your praise, such as emails, phone calls, social media posts, newsletters, meetings, or events. The more frequent and varied your praise, the more likely your volunteers will feel valued and appreciated.

4 Be inclusive and respectful

The fourth step to giving the right amount of praise to your volunteers is to be inclusive and respectful. Don't play favorites or leave anyone out when recognizing and rewarding your volunteers. Try to acknowledge the diversity and uniqueness of your volunteers, and celebrate their collective and individual efforts. Be mindful of the cultural and personal differences among your volunteers, and avoid any stereotypes, assumptions, or biases. Respect your volunteers' privacy and boundaries, and don't force them to accept praise if they are uncomfortable or shy. The goal is to create a culture of appreciation and respect among your volunteers, where everyone feels recognized and supported.

5 Be open and responsive

The fifth step to giving the right amount of praise to your volunteers is to be open and responsive. Don't limit your praise to one-way communication or monologues. Instead, try to engage your volunteers in a dialogue and solicit their feedback and opinions. Ask them how they feel about their work, what they learned, what they enjoyed, what they struggled with, and what they need. Listen to their concerns, suggestions, and questions, and respond with empathy and action. Show them that you value their input and perspective, and that you are willing to learn from them and improve your volunteer management practices.

6 Be creative and fun

The sixth step to giving the right amount of praise to your volunteers is to be creative and fun. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ways of showing your appreciation and gratitude. You can use humor, games, stories, photos, videos, or music to spice up your praise. You can also involve your beneficiaries, partners, donors, or staff in expressing their thanks and admiration to your volunteers. You can also create opportunities for your volunteers to praise each other, such as peer-to-peer recognition programs, awards, or shout-outs. The more creative and fun your praise, the more memorable and meaningful it will be for 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?