I’m asked, “How do I get more out of my leaders?” We know the more we get out of our leaders the better our ministry will be.
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It’s a loaded question. It’s a question that deals with getting volunteers to show up to trainings. It’s making sure everyone is showing up equipped and ready to go. The truth is to get more you need to:
The only thing that will hold back your volunteers is your leadership. If you are not communicating clearly, effectively and consistently then they will not move. To raise the bar on your leadership you need to:
The only thing more valuable than people’s money is their time. If you waste it you will lose their trust. When you have a meeting make sure it’s engaging and educational.
Provide time for social interaction so that you can build community. Make sure you are casting vision so that you remind them why what they do matters. Lastly, prepare and practice so that you start and end on time.
You need to say something more than once for someone to really hear you. Whether it’s vision, or information about the next program communicate it over and over again.
On top of over communicating be creative with how it’s shared each time. People will receive information in different ways so don’t just settle for an email or text. When people have heard you enough they’ll let you know.
If you notice someone is not coming to meetings or is showing up on time talk to them. Lean into the situation sooner than later. Your personal attention will make a bigger impact and will communicate, “I really care about you growing.”
Your volunteers got involved because they wanted to be a part of something. They want to contribute and have a voice. If you don’t equip them then they will get bored and walk away.
Invite them to conferences, share books that you are reading and coordinate trainings that you lead. Share with them what you know and look at them as people who could possibly replace you.
If you only tell your leaders that everything is fine then they will never step up. You have to believe that they care about you. They will do what you need them to do, you just have to let them know.
Allow them to provide feedback on holes they are witnessing. Share with them when you are struggling. Ask them, “Can you help me out with this?” Most will respond with a yes.
If you want your leaders to step up you need to as well. Show them that you are serious by following through on your asks, challenges and promises. Your team wants to be a part of a movement. Give them the tools, the inspiration and path to do that.
[reminder] How do you raise the bar for your leaders? [/reminder]