Mountaineering Without a Rope - Balancing Control and Empowerment - Essential skills for Volunteer Professionals.


Ever heard of scaling mountains without a rope? Sounds terrifying, right? Managing volunteers without proper structure is just as risky. We crave agency and freedom, but without a stable framework, even the most enthusiastic climbers can stumble. So, how do we strike the perfect balance between control and empowerment, ensuring volunteers soar to new heights while keeping disaster at bay?

First, let's map the terrain. Management, like a sturdy harness, sets boundaries and safeguards. Think background checks, clear policies, and training. Yet, relying solely on this harness suffocates creativity. We need the leadership of a skilled guide, someone who inspires shared vision and ignites passion. This guide fosters collaboration, trusts volunteers' expertise, and provides support. Finally, a well-built organisation becomes our sturdy climbing gear. It's the ropes and anchors that offer support, clarity, and direction. Think communication channels, efficient recruitment systems, and roles that leverage volunteer strengths.

Now, imagine two scenarios:

Scenario 1: Overcontrolling Cliff: A charity enforcing rigid scripts for every volunteer interaction. Creativity withers, enthusiasm plummets, and volunteers flee like startled mountain goats. The lesson? Excessive control crushes the very spirit of volunteering.

Scenario 2: Freefall Forest: No structure, no training, just a vague "go climb that mountain!" Volunteers wander lost, frustrated, and potentially risking harm. The lesson? Leaving everything to chance is a recipe for disaster.

So, how do we find the sweet spot? It's all about proportionate control. Imagine Vroom and Yetton as our dynamic climbing gear adjusters. When dealing with sensitive topics like counselling or children, we tighten the harness a bit, ensuring safety protocols are met. But for fundraising initiatives, we loosen the straps, allowing creative freedom to blossom.

The key is to challenge knee-jerk reactions. Did a minor misunderstanding occur? Don't clamp down with new rules. Analyse, learn, and adjust controls proportionally. Remember, Clegg and Dunkerley's 'vicious cycle of control' lurks around every corner—overreacting creates suffocation, then a loosening leads to another incident, and the cycle starts anew.

Therefore, our challenge lies in collaborative risk management. Leaders must work with all levels of the organisation, fostering open communication and trust. This means:

Think of it like choosing the right climbing gear. We wouldn't scale Everest with flimsy sandals, but a full suit of armour would leave us immobile. Let's equip ourselves with the balanced tools of management, leadership, and organisation, giving volunteers the freedom to climb high while ensuring their safety every step of the way.

Remember, just like conquering a mountain, building a thriving volunteer activity requires careful planning, calculated risks, and the unwavering belief in human potential. So, let's empower our volunteers to reach new heights, together, one well-calibrated step at a time!


Happy Climbing!


Chris Wade, 8th January 2024