People need feedback, but they accept it best when I let them do most of the talking. Since then I have found four simple questions that help me bring out the best from volunteers. Periodic reports keep the project moving. This helps workers who get bogged down see what is slowing progress. Here you gain insight into the person's attitude about the project.
Leaders often focus on the negative because problems demand attention.
This question lifts workers above the hard slog and gives reason to celebrate. This reveals whether the volunteer is really suited for the job. And this is the most valuable teaching opportunity. Here you can congratulate them for finding solutions, offer suggestions for alternate approaches, and assess their abilities to give and take direction. This question keeps the volunteer on task, affirms the person's responsibility for developing the project and moving it along.