Have you ever worked on a team that the leader made you feel wonderful? If that leader asked you to volunteer again, would you? If you have a smile on your face as you think of a very positive experience you’ve had volunteering in a nonprofit or ministry, it may be that you have worked on the team of a magnet leader.

I collect refrigerator magnets and am fascinated by the way they draw other things to it. Its that magnetizing effect of magnets that I sometimes see in leaders too.

Magnet leaders easily  attract volunteers. It is something in the way they lead that makes it so easy to be a part of their team.

Not long ago I had the pleasure to work with a magnet leader.  I will call her Denise. I knew she was special from the minute she asked me to volunteer.  Let me describe the way she asked for my assistance. One Sunday evening she called me. She asked about me and my family. We talked about the last time I had shared my workload with her. She asked what I was making time for these days. I then shared how I really did not have much volunteer time but I find time for fun always. She then laid this idea. “Would you be willing to serve on a team that I am getting together to work on ___.? We will only meet twice a month for three months and I promise not to keep you more than one hour. If  after we get into and you find the commitment is too much, you can feel free to back out. I think you’ll like it because I know how you feel about getting the word out and encouraging other folks.” Wow she hit my passions and I was off and running. It’s been six months and I have hung in there with her. I must say after the first 3 months she offered a time for me to get off the team but I was hooked.

Denise is just one example of a magnet leader I have had the pleasure to work with. As I think about magnet leaders and the impact they have on volunteers, I realize at least five things magnet leaders seem to possess.

1. Clear Vision- They know where the team is trying to go and are able to articulate a vision as clear as stating…”At the end of the day we hope to accomplish__________.” These leaders have a picture of where they’re going and can help volunteers visualize too.
2. Expressive  Communication - They can share well in writing and verbally. This is why their ability to recruit volunteers comes easy. They clearly communicate the team’s vision, purpose and even the role of each volunteer. The art of their communication makes it easy to attract others to the team. Get an email from a magnet leader and you feel in the loop right away.
3. Encouragement - The leaders that draw you in give you every reason to  keep going. They are generous with positive recognition and give you the feedback on how your contributions matter. It’s not surprising to hear these leaders say, “Wow, thank you doing that…”
4. Organizing/Planner Skills - Magnet leaders have an agenda and it is written out at the meeting. They communicate the plan and share order to even the most chaotic tasks.
5. People Connection - One of the most valued possessions of magnet leaders are their interpersonal skills. These leaders seem to listen more than they talk. They realize the value of hearing others’ opinions and they are able to incorporate change when the people they work with dictate it. As these leaders connect, they build a team that draws others to the vision and makes things happen.

Do you want to learn more about being a magnet leader?

Attend our upcoming teleseminar…”MAGNET LEADERS: Lead, Recruit, Motivate” starting February 2010!