Its easy to get people to do what you want when they’re on the payroll.  But, how do you motivate people to do what they should when they volunteer?  You can’t threaten to fire them or discipline them because they are volunteering and will quit on you.  This is why John Maxwell says the most difficult organization to lead is a volunteer organization.

There are other ways to motivate volunteers to excel besides money.  They are volunteering because their heart is touched.  Some ways to encourage their heart:

1. Make sure they are aware of the good things they’ve accomplished.

2. Publicly celebrate their victories.

3. Appreciate them with a few “‘Atta Boys” and pats on the back.

4.  Compliment them to others (word will get back).

5. Reward them with a creative gift, such as a PayDay candy bar.

6. Make sure they know you are there to help them.

7.  Listen to their suggestions (they are the ones with their hand on the plow).

Tags: , motivation, volunteers