In order to help your volunteers truly be a success, good leaders must help them to feel a sense of security, adventure and belonging. Volunteers must feel "safe" to make mistakes without feeling embarrassed or being harmed. We must make every effort not to put volunteers in situations that make them feel insecure, ill at ease or unprepared. The proper training programs will give volunteers sense of security necessary to carry out their roles.

Many volunteers need new experiences and challenges in order to hold their interest. They like to be on "cutting edge" of innovation and experiences. If we ask our volunteers to do same old thing in same way we've always done them, we may lose them. Some volunteers are natural joiners. The need to belong is so strong that sometimes we "bite off more than we can chew."However, most volunteers have a deep sense of satisfaction when they belong to organizations they can identify with. Leaders who continually remind volunteers that their involvement is worthwhile and valued will keep volunteers involved. Volunteers must feel that they are doing something important and that they are accepted. This produces motivated, committed volunteers.

© 2005 - Heidi Richards

Heidi Richards is the author of The PMS Principles, Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business and 7 other books. She is also the Founder & CEO of the Women’s ECommerce Association, International www.WECAI.org (pronounced wee-kī) – an Internet organization that “Helps Women Do Business on the WEB.” Basic Membership is FREE. Ms. Richards can be reached at Heidi@speakingwithspirit.com or heidi@wecai.org.

Capricorn – (December 22 - January 20) Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and is symbolized by sea goat. As an Earth sign, Capricorn is motivated, determined and sets practical goals. Taking unnecessary risks is not your “thing,” even in area of romance. You are ambitious and responsible. You will, however do “whatever it takes” to get what you want. Social status, reputation, position, and career are important to you. You use these to impress and attract object of your desires. When it comes to love, no silly games for you, you prefer a more mature approach to courtship. Glamour and dazzle are more your style – so an evening that starts out in a limousine would be perfect. You are supportive and dependable, good qualities in any relationship. Security, a good home, and finer things in life are what you strive for. You do not shy away from commitment, as long as it is with right person – in fact you "play for keeps" and will be forever faithful. Some might consider you a loner, but do not be fooled by aloof Capricorn. You are longing for a deep, meaningful relationship with just right partner. Capricorns can be as powerful in bedroom as they are in boardroom, so lovers beware. You are seen by your peers as a “winner” and often attract same. When it comes to romantic adventures, you are both practical and romantic so a perfect getaway for you could include both work and play.

© 2005 - Heidi Richards