4 Components of a Healthy Volunteer Culture

Consistent Performance over Time
Growing a healthy volunteer culture takes time. Culture as I define it is when people say, “This is the way we do things around here.” Culture is not what is written on the wall or printed on a piece of paper. Culture is what gets done and repeated over time. Things like arriving on time, positive attitudes, team spirit and enthusiasm are all part of a healthy culture if they are maintained over time.

Common Language of the Tribe
Each successful volunteer culture I have had the opportunity to visit over the years usually has a unique language. Maybe a custom or word that is unique to their leaders or culture. It’s something I would describe as “tribal.” It’s a form of cultural glue that seems to hold them together. They share a common vision and mission and as a result their cultural language reflects the unity they share.

Caring Environment for All
What is our competition? Yes, I know, we are not in competition with each other but we are in competition with every alternative use of time a volunteer has. So, with that in mind, what is the one thing we can offer leaders who volunteer in our ministry? A sense of belonging, a sense of making a difference in a worthy cause and a caring and compassionate environment.

Continual Empowerment of Leaders
Letting others have the freedom to explore how God has wired them to serve is critical for a healthy volunteer culture. Leading followers is pretty easy and generally has a good result. Leading leaders is difficult but has high impact. The reason for this is that strong leaders usually have their own opinion of how to do things (often times contradictory to yours). If you want a grow a successful volunteer culture you will need to get people on your team that are smarter than you are and then empower them to lead. In other words, don’t micro-manage them. If you do, they will leave your team and find another team that will allow them to spread their wings and fly. Go ahead, let them explore their leadership potential and empower them to lead.