Ever wonder what the keys are to getting volunteer involvement? After years of coaching Little League Baseball, I am starting to understand how this is done. When leading volunteers, often the expectations of performance are not clear, communication is sparse, levels of engagement vary between individuals and the window to
establish success is short. Coaches, league administrators, players and parents act much like association volunteers. This session will highlight parallels between the disparate worlds of little league baseball and leading volunteers in a non‐profit organization. Baseball terms will be used so be careful, you do not want to called OUT!
Paul Wehking - Tips for Volunteer Leaders from a Little League Baseball Coach
1. Leadership Lessons Learned While Coaching Little League Baseball Leadership Lessons Learned While Coaching Little League Baseball Coach Paul Wehking Marshall Little League Baseball 2008 – 2011 V.P. of Strategic Accounts, Omnipress
Hello Everyone and welcome to the ballpark! I’m Paul Wehking – and I’m a Little League Baseball Coach. Oh yea, I also work for Omnipress. My Little Leaguers and I are going to share a bit out leadership that you may find useful.Sort of a game plan if you will for your volunteers.
The League we play in serves roughly 450 kids from five different communities. The important thing to note is that the league is run entirely by VOLUNTEERS. Here are a few things we’ve learned.
It starts with having a solid STRUCTURE in place for success. You need things like objectives, rules, bylaws and of course Mission, Vision and Values. Having these things in place allows your volunteers to get on with the business of getting things done.
While thinking about structure, you need to keep in mind that your volunteers wear many hats. Family, work, community as well as volunteering with your organization.
Muchlike positions on the ball field, divide up the players duties to suit your players strengths. You may have some players who can pitch a whole game, while others can only throw one inning. Define the roles but leave room for making substitutions and changes as needed.
Much like positions on the ball field, divide up the players duties to suit your players strengths. You may have some players who can pitch a whole game, while others can only throw one inning. Set the structure for your players roles but leave room for making substitutions and changes as needed.
With the structure in place, let’s dash to first base…COMMUNICATION. And I mean a ton of it! Right away we begin bringing the team (kids and parents) together. We do this by having team meetings, sharing schedules, contact information and promoting team unity.
Make it easy for your team to connect with EACH OTHER so that you don’t always have to be in the middle.
Of course when it comes time to perform at a big game, the communication should be finite. Focus your team on one or two important objectives and then let them play.
2nd base on our diamond of success is EXPECTATIONS. Letting players, volunteers, and coaches know what is expected of them is key. The earlier you do this the better and I would suggest doing this BEFORE they are members of your team. Be clear about time commitments and participation levels.
As for performance, keep YOUR expectations realistic. The average base stealer is safe 68% of the time. Great hitters have a .300 batting average… that’s 3 of every ten at bats! Your percentages of success may be different but the idea is to allow room for mistakes and varying levels of success.
This takes us to third base on the diamond… Letting Go of Control. This could be your organization letting volunteers do more, or perhaps encouraging a long term volunteer to step aside or reduce what they are doing to allow others to participate. You will be astonished what can done be done when your players know the overall objectives, know where the foul lines are and are given the freedom and control get the job done. Because…at some point, your players will need to play the game themselves. They make some mistakes but they also have some great success and grow in the process to be better the next time.
Create opportunities for your more sage, wise volunteers to interact with your younger players. This keeps both more engaged and if done right, will enrich their lives with new friendships, sharing and professional growth.
So we’re rounding third and headed toward home. Home plate is where the best celebrations take place! Celebrating the efforts and the successes of your players. Celebrate their having participated in the game.
We celebrated wins, close games and sometimes even loses. Ice cream can be an amazing antidote to a beating taken on the field. Plus you know what? There will be other games, there will be other chances to shine.
And remember this…. the most precious thing a person can give to another or to an organization is the gift of their time and talents. Time to teach, to help, and to listen. Be sure you celebrate your volunteers and THEY will encourage others to join in the success!
So, don’t let your players sit on the bench and wonder where they fit in. Apply these simple rules from a Little League Baseball coach and get them out there. Now PLAY BALL! Thank you.
