Supervisor Functions
Supervisors provide five key functions to Volunteers. They:
- Educate- Teach the Volunteer the policies, procedures, and organization culture.
- Motivate- Encourage the Volunteer to learn, participate and achieve.
- Support- Offer assistance in areas where there is room for improvement.
- Direct- Maintain or help determine focus of Volunteer participation.
- Correct- Address inappropriate behaviours and actions.
General Tips
General Tips to Supervising Volunteers
- Tell the truth.
- Be tactful and diplomatic.
- Be fair.
- Communicate expectations clearly.
- Set clear goals for the project.
- Encourage the Volunteer to participate in goal setting.
- Set clear goals for the individual.
- Keep goals reasonable, measurable, and attainable.
- Set a baseline for acceptable work output.
- Establish Timelines and schedule progress meetings at regular intervals.
- Be supportive.
- Document! Document! Document!
Suggested Techniques
- Begin supervising by supporting the Volunteer in their position it will not be seen as close supervision but instead as assistance thereby setting a positive tone to the interaction.
- Act as a resource, listening, giving feedback, giving credit where earned, and corrective action where necessary.
- Develop written policies and supply Volunteers with copies, for expectations on interaction and code of conduct expectations.
- Do not play favourites.
- Conduct regular performance appraisals.
When dealing with a problem
- Address it. Do not allow it to fester. Remember that if you do not address poor behaviour/ performance you are accepting it.
- Ensure that you are calm before addressing the situation. Plan the conversation.
- Always address the problem actions and behaviours never the person themselves.
- Address issues in private, preferably with the Volunteer and an observer in the room.
- Give examples of behaviours and relate the results on the organization and its members.
- Give the Volunteer a chance to change problem behaviours.
- Ensure that the corrective action taken is fitting and consistent with treatment of others.
Previous : 
