What are your best tips for giving feedback to volunteers during training?

1 Use the sandwich method

The sandwich method is a popular technique for giving feedback that involves sandwiching a constructive criticism between two positive comments. This way, you can acknowledge the strengths and achievements of the volunteer, while also pointing out the areas for improvement and suggesting ways to address them. The sandwich method can help you balance praise and criticism, and avoid demoralizing or discouraging the volunteer.

2 Be specific and timely

Feedback should be specific and timely, meaning that you should give it as soon as possible after the training session, and focus on concrete examples and behaviors. Avoid vague or general statements, such as "you did well" or "you need to work on your communication skills". Instead, use descriptive and factual language, such as "you explained the project goals clearly and confidently" or "you could improve your listening skills by asking more open-ended questions". Specific and timely feedback can help the volunteer understand what they did well and what they need to work on, and apply the feedback to their future actions.

4 Be supportive and respectful

Feedback should be supportive and respectful, meaning that you should acknowledge the volunteer's efforts, motivations, and goals, and avoid judgmental or negative language. Remember that volunteers are giving their time and energy for a cause that they care about, and that they may have different backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles. Therefore, you should express appreciation and gratitude for their participation, and avoid criticism or blame that could harm their self-esteem or confidence. Instead, use feedback as an opportunity to encourage and empower the volunteer, and to foster a positive and trusting relationship.

5 Follow up and monitor progress

Feedback should not be a one-time event, but a continuous process that involves following up and monitoring the progress of the volunteer. After giving feedback, you should check if the volunteer understood and accepted the feedback, and if they have any questions or concerns. You should also provide them with resources, support, and guidance to help them implement the feedback and improve their skills. Moreover, you should track the volunteer's performance and development, and recognize and celebrate their achievements and milestones. Following up and monitoring progress can help you ensure that the feedback is effective and meaningful, and that the volunteer is progressing and growing.

6 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?