If a fire is left alone and not fed with any new fuel, it will eventually burn itself out. If the fire of your enthusiasm is not being refueled by the satisfaction of your volunteer work, your enthusiasm - just like a fire - will die
The signs we hate to see and the words we hope to never hear are those typed as volunteer burn out.
The best volunteers are usually the ones most prone to burnout. That's because they're so dedicated, they often fail to take mental health breaks or ask for help. And because they're so dedicated, organizations often pile more and more responsibility on them. This is not activity specific, I have seen it happen across every sector I have worked with. I read an interesting study done by an organization that had a suicide help line. While I think most people can easily identify why volunteers on this help line would be prone to burn out, if found that their top 3 reasons for leaving were strikingly similar to those that I see across the volunteer sector.
The signs we hate to see and the words we hope to never hear are those typed as volunteer burn out.
The best volunteers are usually the ones most prone to burnout. That's because they're so dedicated, they often fail to take mental health breaks or ask for help. And because they're so dedicated, organizations often pile more and more responsibility on them. This is not activity specific, I have seen it happen across every sector I have worked with. I read an interesting study done by an organization that had a suicide help line. While I think most people can easily identify why volunteers on this help line would be prone to burn out, if found that their top 3 reasons for leaving were strikingly similar to those that I see across the volunteer sector.
- Other demands in the volunteers life took on greater importance.
- The volunteer did not feel part of a team.
- Responsibilities and expectations were not clear.
We as volunteer organizations have little control over the number 1 reason, however both 2 and 3 are within our realm of impact.
If you sense a high rate of burn out in your organization start with building a team. Forbes outlines 6 team-building success strategies that not coincidentally address point 3:
1. Be Aware of How You Work
As the leader of the team, you must be extremely aware of your leadership style and techniques.
2. Get to Know the Rest of the Team
You must make the time to get to know your team and encourage camaraderie.
3. Clearly Define Roles & Responsibilities
When you successfully complete step 2, you can then more effectively and clearly define the roles and responsibilities of those on your team.
4. Be Proactive with Feedback
Feedback should be proactive and constant. Many leaders are prone to wait until a problem occurs before they give feedback.
5. Acknowledge and Reward
Take the time to give your teammates the proper accolades they have earned and deserve.
6. Always Celebrate Success
This goes beyond acknowledgment – this is about taking a step-back and reflecting on what you have accomplished and what you have learned throughout the journey.
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