The Power of Questions: Encouraging Reflective Practice in Supporting Volunteers

Leaders of volunteers often feel pressured to know the right responses or to solve all the problems presented to them. In this Training Designs article, Sue Jones challenges this perception. Jones asks volunteer leaders to consider the value of supporting individuals and helping them self-identify their own solutions, and then reflect on what they learn from their volunteering experiences.

According to Jones, the volunteer field can benefit from techniques used in the coaching field, which emphasize the use of insightful questions and focus on listening rather than telling or explaining. Jones shares examples of how leaders of volunteers might adapt these techniques in working with volunteers. She describes some of the key skills required in this reflective practice approach, and provides practical tips to help volunteer leaders start and practice this questioning approach.