The Core Twelve

In our Creative Arts staff meeting today, we discussed how we are doing at leading our voluteer ministries. As I was considering some of the key factors in leading volunteer teams, I recalled the book "First, Break All the Rules." I am fan of Marcus Buckingham because he couples insightful management theory with a strong commitment to data. Marcus unveiled 12 questions that measure the core elements required to attract, focus, and keep the most talented employees in the marketplace. Here they are:

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
2. Do I have the equipment and tools I need to do my work right?
3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work?
5. Does my supervisor, or someone at work seem to care about me as a person?
6. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
7. At work, do my opinions count?
8. Does the mission/purpose of my work make me feel my job is important?
9. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
10. Do I have a best friend at work?
11. In the past 6 months, has someone at work talked to me about my progress?
12. This last year, have I had the opportunity at work, learn, and grow?

We discussed these questions in the context of the volunteer experience we offer. Would our volunteers answer "yes" to these questions? If not, are there some things we can do to improve in these areas? I am looking forward becoming a better leader and turning any "no" into a "yes" for both my staff and our volunteers.