Here's how you can assess the effect of acquiring new skills on your performance as a volunteer manager.

1 Skill Reflection

Reflecting on your skills is the first step in assessing your growth as a volunteer manager. Think back to recent challenges you've faced and consider how your new skills have influenced your approach. Have you become more efficient in delegating tasks, or perhaps your communication has improved, leading to clearer instructions and better team cohesion? This self-reflection will help you pinpoint areas of improvement and those that may still need attention.

2 Feedback Loop

Creating a feedback loop is essential for measuring the impact of your skill development. Encourage open communication with your volunteers and ask for their honest opinions on changes in your management style. This can be done through regular meetings or anonymous surveys. Their insights can provide a valuable perspective on how your new skills are affecting team dynamics and overall performance.

3 Goal Tracking

Set specific, measurable goals related to the skills you've acquired and track your progress towards them. If you've taken a course on conflict resolution, for instance, monitor the frequency and outcomes of conflicts within your team. Are they being resolved more swiftly and with better results? Keeping a close eye on these metrics will give you a tangible sense of how your new skills are impacting your effectiveness as a manager.

4 Outcome Analysis

Analyzing outcomes is another vital component. Look at the results of your volunteer projects before and after implementing your new skills. Has there been an increase in successful project completions or volunteer retention rates? This kind of analysis not only shows the direct effects of your skill acquisition but also helps justify the time and resources spent on your professional development.

5 Continuous Learning

Recognize that learning is a continuous process. As you assess the impact of your new skills, identify additional areas for growth. Perhaps your recent training in project management has revealed a gap in your digital literacy. Use this awareness to seek further education and training opportunities, ensuring that you remain an effective and adaptive leader in the ever-evolving field of volunteer management.

6 Adapt and Evolve

Lastly, it's important to adapt and evolve based on your assessments. If certain skills haven't yielded the expected improvements, consider seeking alternative methods or additional training. Adapting your strategy not only demonstrates resilience but also a commitment to excellence in volunteer management, which can inspire and motivate your team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?