Going Beyond The Technical

Having conversations with your fellow volunteers builds community and relationships. Patience, kindness, and the willingness to share your education with other volunteers is key. Some volunteers may have little to no experience mixing audio, and the goal should be to help them feel valued and supported. Set a good example through your behavior and attitude.


Patience and Understanding with Volunteers

You may be training someone who is completely new to audio or production work. That’s okay, in fact we should be excited about that! Demonstrating patience and a willingness to educate is crucial. Arrive early, or stay late, go the extra mile with them to make them feel valued. Foster a supportive and inclusive environment.
  • Recognize when to step in and take charge. At the same time, know when to allow volunteers to learn through experiences or by making mistakes. This ensures they don’t feel overwhelmed or out of their depth.

Communication and Positive Mindset

Keep a positive mindset and keep lines of communication open with the team. Avoid being demanding or impatient, as that doesn’t lead to any positive improvement. Volunteers are offering their time and want to contribute positively to the service.
  • Encourage learning and create chances for volunteers to grow. This helps the whole team work better, together.

Technical Training and Simplification

Everyone starts from a different knowledge base. Do what you can to simplify the console layout and other technical setups. This makes it easier for beginners to use.
  • Shadowing and gradual responsibility are key. New team members should shadow experienced team members and gradually take on more responsibility as they become comfortable. This helps build confidence and skill over time.

Build a Welcoming Team Environment

As a leader, your approach to volunteers significantly impacts the team’s atmosphere. Humility, friendliness, and openness can make your team feel more welcomed. This positive environment encourages your teams to keep participating and may even encourage them to recruit others to join.
  • Soft skills are important, such as effective communication and empathy. They are just as crucial as the technical skills needed for your role.

Categories

Leadership
101