Episode Details

Do you find it uncomfortable giving feedback to volunteers? You're not alone!  

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson walks you through how to deliver clear, confident feedback to your volunteers in a way that fosters growth, maintains trust, and avoids discomfort. Whether it's reinforcing great behavior or correcting issues, Tobi shares real examples and practical scripts you can start using right away. 

You'll learn the difference between corrective, confirming, and the coercive feedback you should avoid at all costs. Plus, Tobi explains how a little preparation and a whole lot of clarity can make all the difference in your volunteer management! 

Full show notes: 172. How to Give Clear Volunteer Feedback with Confidence 

Volunteer Feedback - Episode Highlights 

• [01:00] – Why Feedback Feels So Hard 
• [03:20] – Corrective Feedback: What It Is and How to Use It 
• [07:30] – Confirming Feedback: The Power of Positivity 
• [14:00] – The Feedback to Avoid: Coercive Feedback 
• [20:00] – How Coercion Damages Culture 
• [22:30] – Better Alternatives to Coercive Feedback 
• [23:50] – Final Thoughts: Giving Feedback with Confidence 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report 
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone’s Job  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #171: Practical Community Building Tips for Your Volunteer Team 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #140 - Volunteer Performance Issues - How to (Finally) Have that Chat!  

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• Hidden Opportunities for Volunteer-Fueled Organizations
• 5 Essential Pillars to Finding & Keeping Committed Volunteers
• What I Wish I Had Known When I Started Leading Volunteers

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Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.  

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.