7 Mindset Shifts for Volunteer Leaders

Many of us are gearing up for the time of year when volunteer recruitment is taking place.

It's the best time of year to remember that we - the volunteer leaders of the world - are not alone.

Several years ago I conducted some field research - as part of my exploration, I asked 200+ potential volunteers why they were not serving. There were a number of answers that I'll expand upon in the next few weeks but the #1 reason volunteers did not come forward was, "Nobody asked me."

We have to remember that we are not alone. We have to remember to know what we need - and then ask for what we need. This takes some initial planning - and luckily, this is a great time of year to think ahead.

See 8 Pillars of Volunteer Leadership with some specific ideas to kick-start your year.

Accepting this possibility represents a mindset shift that aligns us with an abundance mentality - there are enough volunteers to go around. We have to let go of the idea that it is NOT possible before we can accept the possibility that there may be some people out there to help - if we just identify what we need - and ask.

This seems easy - and it is - but first a leadership mindset shift is necessary.

We have to let go of the old before we can embrace the new.

~William Bridges~

Avoid the "martyr syndrome" and embrace your power with these mindset shifts. At the end of the year, you'll have energy and a team of people who will carry on your important work.

Here are 7 mindset shifts that will help.

(1) Shift from DOER to LEADER.

Leaders are people who accomplish things through others (Peter Drucker) and you'll be doing your organization a huge favor with some "legacy thinking." AS you prepare to start the year, make a list of potential "dream team" members - people who can help you get the job done (preferably excluding the other leaders in your organization who are already serving).

(2) Shift from follower to ambassador.

(3) Shift from information-receiver to information-disseminator.

(4) Shift from motivating self to motivating others.

(5) Shift from team member to team builder.

(6) Shift from complaining about problems to solving problems with others.

(7) Shift from "I can do that" to "Would you be willing to help with that?"

© Kathy Sturgis, Ph.D. Kathy is founder of Refreshment Zone and is an organizational and personal development specialist with a doctorate in communication. Contact kathy@refreshmentzone.com for more information on motivational programs.