It is admirable that people give their time and energy to volunteer organizations.

They might sit on a board of directors, volunteer time for events, belong to a service organization, or any number of other methods of volunteering.

I’ve worked with hundreds of volunteers, both as a volunteer myself and as a person who has utilized volunteers for an organization at which I was employed. I’ve seen some very good volunteers and others who create more hassle for the organization than they add value.

For those of you who volunteer, thank you, but, please, if you are going to volunteer, follow these simple points to assure you are adding value and not causing more work.

Communicate. Keep the organization updated on your organization-related activities. Don’t make them reach out to you for progress updates. Do not leave them wondering if you are going to show up to a meeting. Do not let them waste time by duplicating actions that you’ve already taken. Do not make them seek clarification on your work. Respond to communication sent to you. Read the entire communication and respond accordingly. If it has a question or a direct action, it deserves a response. Proactively communicate with them so everyone is always on the same page. It is quick and easy to do.

Follow through on your commitments to the group. If you make a commitment to the group, keep it. If you cannot keep it, see point one and communicate that you will not be able to keep the commitment. Do not require the organization to send you reminders of what you committed to. As an adult, you should be competent and responsible enough to track and follow through on your commitments. If you forgot what you said you would do, ask. Do not wait for them to come after you with a reminder and do not leave the organization scrambling to get done what you said you would do but didn’t. Use a calendar or another method that works for you and track your commitments.

Don’t take up space without adding value. If you show up but don’t interact or give of your talents, leave the organization. Giving your talents will depend on the type of organization and role you are filling, but might include giving advice in areas you are knowledgeable about or giving of your time in intentional ways and not just by sitting at the table. Maybe it is asking the right questions or helping secure donations. You should be adding value and not be part of a volunteer organization with the goal of getting more than you give (although that can happen as we realize the intrinsic value of giving).

I am in favor of firing bad volunteers. I am in favor of having expectations for volunteers. I’ve seen many organizations with leadership that is afraid to part ways with a volunteer who adds extra work or drama. It is an honor to be a volunteer for an organization, a member of a service club, or a volunteer at an event. Being a lazy, noncommitted, non-communicative, unreliable volunteer is not admirable or appreciated. Organizations use volunteers to help them achieve more than they could otherwise, so, if you’re adding to their troubles and complicating things, you’re taking resources away from the group’s ability to achieve its mission.

Examine your volunteer style. Figure out where your strengths are and put those to work for organizations that could use it. Amp up your communication, commit to keeping all commitments, and never take up space without adding value.

For organizations that utilize volunteers, part ways with those who aren’t a good fit for the organization. It will be a better experience for you and the other volunteers.

Thank you to all the volunteers out there who are adding value.

Your time and energy are seen and appreciated, and not just by the organization for which you volunteer, but by others who understand the role of a volunteer and appreciate those who step up.