Turning your best volunteers into staff members can either be a dream come true or create significant challenges when expectations don't align. This transition often fails because the intrinsic motivation of volunteering gets replaced by the obligations of employment, creating an identity crisis for the previously celebrated volunteer.
• High-capacity volunteers don't always make great staff members
• The transition from volunteering to employment changes relationship dynamics dramatically
• Volunteers often don't see "how the sausage is made" until they join staff
• Culture fit doesn't automatically equal staff fit
• The identity shift from serving out of joy to serving out of obligation creates tension
• Three critical questions to ask: Will they thrive under authority? Can they handle evaluation? Are they joining staff out of calling or obligation?
• Clear expectations on both sides are essential for a successful transition
If you're considering hiring an internal candidate and want an outside perspective, reach out to me at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com.
Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com
Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.
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