How can you lead your team through uncertainty in volunteer management?

1 Assess your needs and resources

The first step to leading your team through uncertainty is to evaluate your current needs and resources. What are your goals, priorities, and expectations for your volunteer program? How many volunteers do you have, and what skills, availability, and preferences do they have? How much funding, equipment, and support do you have to run your program? By answering these questions, you can identify any gaps, risks, or opportunities that may arise in the future.

2 Communicate clearly and frequently

The second step to leading your team through uncertainty is to communicate clearly and frequently with your volunteers. Uncertainty can cause anxiety, confusion, and frustration among your team members, so it is important to keep them informed, engaged, and motivated. Share any updates, changes, or challenges that affect your program, and explain the reasons and implications behind them. Listen to your volunteers' feedback, concerns, and suggestions, and acknowledge their contributions and achievements. Use different channels and formats to reach your volunteers, such as emails, newsletters, phone calls, or online meetings.

3 Provide training and support

The third step to leading your team through uncertainty is to provide training and support to your volunteers. Uncertainty can also create new opportunities for learning and growth, so it is essential to equip your volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to changing situations. Offer regular training sessions, workshops, or webinars on topics such as crisis management, problem-solving, or digital tools. Provide guidance, mentoring, or coaching to your volunteers, and connect them with other resources or networks that can help them. Encourage your volunteers to seek help when they need it, and create a culture of mutual support and collaboration among your team.

4 Be flexible and creative

The fourth step to leading your team through uncertainty is to be flexible and creative in your volunteer management. Uncertainty can also bring new challenges and constraints that require you to adjust your plans, strategies, or methods. Be open to experimenting with different ways of delivering your services, engaging your volunteers, or measuring your impact. For example, you may need to shift from in-person to online volunteering, diversify your funding sources, or use new tools or platforms. Involve your volunteers in the decision-making and innovation process, and solicit their ideas and feedback.

5 Recognize and celebrate

The fifth step to leading your team through uncertainty is to recognize and celebrate your volunteers' efforts and achievements. Uncertainty can also affect your volunteers' morale, satisfaction, and retention, so it is crucial to show them your appreciation and gratitude. Recognize your volunteers' individual and collective accomplishments, and celebrate their milestones and successes. You can use different methods of recognition and celebration, such as certificates, awards, gifts, or events. Make sure your recognition and celebration are sincere, timely, and meaningful to your volunteers.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth and final step to leading your team through uncertainty is to learn and improve from your experiences. Uncertainty can also be a valuable source of learning and improvement for your volunteer program, so it is important to reflect on your actions, outcomes, and feedback. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and identify any areas of improvement or best practices. Learn from your mistakes and failures, and embrace them as opportunities for growth. Share your learnings and insights with your volunteers, and involve them in the continuous improvement of your program.

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?