How can you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your volunteers?

1 Observe and document

One of the simplest ways to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your volunteers is to observe them in action and document their performance. You can use a checklist, a rating scale, or a narrative report to record their achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. You can also note their attitudes, behaviors, and interactions with others. For example, you can observe how they handle tasks, communicate with staff and beneficiaries, solve problems, and cope with stress. Observation and documentation can help you provide specific and constructive feedback to your volunteers, as well as recognize their achievements and celebrate their successes.

2 Ask for self-evaluation

Another way to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your volunteers is to ask them to evaluate themselves. You can use a questionnaire, a survey, or a reflection journal to invite them to share their opinions, feelings, and experiences. You can ask them to rate their skills, knowledge, and confidence, as well as identify their goals, interests, and preferences. You can also ask them to describe their achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. Self-evaluation can help you understand the perspectives and motivations of your volunteers, as well as encourage them to take ownership of their learning and development.

3 Solicit feedback from others

A third way to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your volunteers is to solicit feedback from others who work with them or benefit from their services. You can use interviews, focus groups, or testimonials to collect input from staff, beneficiaries, partners, or other volunteers. You can ask them to share their observations, impressions, and suggestions regarding the performance, impact, and potential of your volunteers. You can also ask them to express their appreciation, gratitude, and recognition for your volunteers. Feedback from others can help you validate and complement your own assessment, as well as boost the morale and confidence of your volunteers.

4 Use online tools and tests

A fourth way to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your volunteers is to use online tools and tests that measure various aspects of their personality, aptitude, and competence. You can use assessments such as Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), StrengthsFinder, or DISC to discover their preferences, talents, and styles. You can also use tests such as IQ, EQ, or skills tests to evaluate their abilities, intelligence, and emotional intelligence. Online tools and tests can help you gain insights into the characteristics and capabilities of your volunteers, as well as match them to compatible and challenging roles.

5 Conduct a SWOT analysis

A fifth way to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your volunteers is to conduct a SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and it is a strategic planning tool that helps you analyze the internal and external factors that affect your volunteers. You can use a matrix, a diagram, or a report to identify and organize the strengths and weaknesses of your volunteers, as well as the opportunities and threats they face in their environment. For example, you can consider their skills, knowledge, experience, motivation, resources, relationships, challenges, risks, and goals. A SWOT analysis can help you identify the gaps and needs of your volunteers, as well as the strategies and actions to address them.

6 Review and update regularly

A sixth way to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your volunteers is to review and update your assessment regularly. You can use a cycle, a timeline, or a calendar to schedule and conduct your assessment at appropriate intervals. You can also use a portfolio, a dashboard, or a report card to track and display the progress and performance of your volunteers. Reviewing and updating your assessment regularly can help you monitor and measure the outcomes and impact of your volunteers, as well as adjust and improve your volunteer management practices.

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?