I’ve worked with volunteers before,” he began. “It’s…
“I’ve worked with volunteers before,” he began. “It’s important not to… not to treat them like servants. We may feel that they are laboring to obtain a heavenly reward, and should therefore work harder than they would for money; but they don’t necessarily take that attitude. They feel they’re working for nothing, and doing a great kindness to us thereby; and if we seem ungrateful they will work slowly and make mistakes. It will be best to rule them with a light touch.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Volunteers should be treated with respect, not as servants; a gentle approach yields better results.
In simple terms: Treat volunteers kindly, not as laborers.
Key Takeaway
Lead with empathy and light guidance.
Themes
leadership
volunteering
respect
motivation
Mood
thoughtful
practical
Type
advice
leadership
When to use this quote
- nonprofit projects
- community service
- event organization
- team building
Key Concepts
human psychology
management style
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you show appreciation without micromanaging?
- What signals indicate a volunteer feels undervalued?
A Different Perspective
Over‑maning can cause resentment.