Motivations

I have succumbed.  I am reading more than one book at the moment.  I recently received a book I had ordered called “The Volunteer Effect.”
I am only on the first chapter, but I really like what the authors are saying.  They have been involved in finding, training and keeping volunteers.  They acknowledge that it is not easy but what they share is what they have gleaned over a number of years.
There is one sentence they have said that I have found very intriguing.  They say, “invite volunteers to a mission, don’t just recruit them to a role.”  What they mean by this is volunteers need to have their motivations appealed to.  Their motivations come into play big time.
Many people want to volunteer (it is something I have found too) but often the role being fulfilled is not couched in the right terms.  For example, instead of saying, “here’s something we need done” it can be put “here is something you can do.” 
The difference is subtle but immense.  Many long to be a part of something bigger, and it is important they not only use their particular skills but see the role as something contributing to the whole.
They site the example of car park attenders.  The role of seeing cars parked is not particularly appealing, but letting someone know they are contributing to a person being able to access a venue, and feeling their car is in safe hands, contributes big time to a visitor's wellbeing.  They are free to enjoy what they came to, rather than being concerned about if their car is alright.  Car Park attendant is then seen as an important role.
There are a great many roles like that.  I am in the process of finding new cleaners.  It is not a role that is very appealing, but I know I need to convey that the role contributes big time to a visitor's perception of a place.  If it is clean and the people are attentive to their needs, they will feel welcome and more inclined to want to return.
It is human nature.  I know for me first impressions are massive.  I do not want to return to anywhere that has elements that detract from the experience.
That is chapter one.  I think I am in for a good read and hope to implement some actions.