Correction... Err... I mean Encouragement

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I'm asked surprisingly often, "How do you handle correcting volunteers?" I always ask "How do you encourage your volunteers?"


There are times for correction. Stuff like, you've been running late, you haven't been up to speed on the charts, you've seemed distracted or to be having a problem with someone else... on an on. There is definitely a time for correcting... but...

Have you tried rewarding? Have you tried encouragement? 

I've noticed that Positive and Public rewarding of hard work builds culture at a better rate than a one and one "correction session."

Reward what You want repeated.

If there is someone on your team that is showing the desired commitment and excellence you should reward them LOUDLY AND PUBLICLY! Unfortunately we often get caught up in the "Greasy wheel gets the oil" routine. We spend more time worrying with problem people...   

Let your team see what gets rewarded!

AGAIN I SAY... there are times that we need to have those confrontations and correct errors. WE SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF CONFRONTATION!  ...But...  Have you tried to encourage correct behavior?


Does anyone have any ideas on Rewarding and Encouraging?

• A personal Note with a gift card
• Public Praise
• Lately I've even taken to Tagging someone in a Facebook status update. Something like..."Wow!  @Jon Doe played his guts out today @My Church Name today. Thanks for all you do Jon!" 

• Catch them in the act of doing ministry and take a picture that you later give to them.
•  Stop in the middle of rehearsal and make over someone on your team.

One more thought... If we are always having to take "correctional" meetings we end up rewarding wrong behavior with our time and attention.

How do you encourage your team?