15/04/2026
Leading volunteers has taught me more about true leadership than any course I have ever taken.
When there is no contract of employment, no paycheque, and no fear-based tools to fall back on, you are left with pure human leadership.
Any blunt tools that use force or pressure are completely useless here, because volunteers do what they do out of passion, purpose, commitment, and values and beliefs.
Success comes from leading with appreciation, purpose, empowerment, and guidance. I need to understand their motivations, their WHY, and also their aspirations. The teamwork skills are needed because we have lots of different personalities forming the teams. I need to lean deeply into my hashtag skills and tools, be truly present, be available, and coach rather than tell.
Yes, we have policies, rules, and legal obligations. We need them, but they simply exist to help everyone fulfil their role safely. The real work and leadership is done in community and supporting people to step into their potential, to express, to create, and to explore.
Here are 5 key lessons that leading volunteers has taught me.:
⚜️ Lead with purpose: People show up for the meaning and the mission, not a contract.
⚜️Offer your presence: Being truly available builds a level of trust that money cannot buy. Showing up, showing you are interested and care, is invaluable.
⚜️Choose empowerment over control: Give people the autonomy to lead themselves, come up with ideas, and guide and encourage. Some people might need more support than others, so meet people where they are.
⚜️Lead with appreciation: Genuine recognition and gratitude sustain the energy of the whole system/community.
⚜️Bring people together and nurture community. Find ways to create a sense of belonging. In scouts, that is a parade, a fundraising quiz night, or a camp. Find your way to create community.
How often are you using the blunt tool of fear?
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