Four Reasons Volunteers Don't Do Their Jobs

I was recently rereading a textbook on the topic of Performance Management (which deals with the topic of using positive reinforcement to improve performance). It noted four basic reasons why people don't do what we want them to do on the job. When modified for volunteers, the reasons are:

There is nothing profound about these questions and that's exactly the point! So ask yourself:

• Are volunteers clear about the outcome of their assignment?
• Do volunteers know how they will work together, and with staff, to achieve this outcome?
• What issues or problems might discourage or prevent volunteers from accomplishing their goals?
• Is the assignment seen as desirable by the volunteers? Is it a good match for their interests, passions and talents?

'nuff said!

Related articles:

•  Finding the Confidence to Deal with Volunteers
• Quit Torturing Your Volunteers
•  Six  Rules to Prevent the Torture of Volunteers 
• Three  Reasons Your Chapters and Volunteers May Not Trust You

Contact me if you need a Partnership Tune-up to help improve volunteer-staff relationships in your association!