What should volunteers expect from you?

• A. Individual attention and understanding, and a focus on goals and action.
• B. Wasted time doing things without a clear goal and purpose.
• C. Frequent changes in direction without updates.
• D. A detached leadership style with little guidance.

Answer: (A)

Volunteers perform best when you provide clear guidance, demonstrate understanding of their needs, and keep the work focused on tangible goals and action. Offering individual attention shows you value each person’s strengths and gives you a chance to tailor tasks so they can contribute effectively. By outlining specific objectives and the steps needed to reach them, you create direction, accountability, and momentum, so everyone knows what success looks like and how to achieve it. In contrast, actions like wasting time without a clear purpose, constantly shifting direction without updates, or leading with little guidance lead to confusion, reduced motivation, and disengagement, undermining the team’s ability to accomplish its mission.