You’ve been there.

You asked a volunteer to “help with the event,” and on the night of said event, they’re holding a Starbucks cup and vibing by the snack table. They’re confused why you’re frustrated… and honestly? You might not have actually told them what “help” meant.

That’s where the Diamond Strategy saves the day. At each point of the diamond—What, Why, When, and How—you have a chance to serve your volunteers with clarity. Not control. Not micro-managing. Just clear, kind leadership.

Let’s break it down.

1. What – Define the Win

🔸 Unclear: “Can you help with Wednesday night?” 🔹 Clear: “Can you greet students at the door from 6:15 to 6:45 and help new guests find their group?”

🧠 Tip: Always define what success looks like. If your volunteer completes the task, how will they know they nailed it?

2. Why – Anchor the Task in Mission

This is the heartbeat. If you don’t connect the dots between the job and the Jesus stuff, your volunteer may check out emotionally—even if they show up physically.

🔸 Unclear: “We need another adult in this room.” 🔹 Clear: “We want every student to feel seen and known—and having one more caring adult makes that possible.”

🧠 Tip: You don’t need to preach. Just tie the “what” to why it matters.

3. When – Put a Clock on It

Vague timing breeds last-minute scrambling or “I thought that was next week” texts. Your “when” should be as exact as your “what.”

🔸 Unclear: “We’ll need that video soon.” 🔹 Clear: “Can you record that testimony and send it to me by Tuesday at 4 PM?”

🧠 Tip: Use calendar invites or Planning Center deadlines where possible. It’s not nagging—it’s clarity.

4. How – Set Them Up to Win

Even the most confident volunteer appreciates a playbook. Whether it’s how to lead a game or how to handle a tough conversation with a student, clarity around how helps them step up instead of second-guess.

🔸 Unclear: “You’ll lead the game.” 🔹 Clear: “Here’s the game rundown: 7 minutes, students in 3 teams, supplies are in the blue bin backstage. Start as soon as the countdown ends.”

🧠 Tip: When in doubt, over-communicate and over-resource. Then check in and see what else they need.

Final Thought:

Clarity isn’t just a communication tool. It’s a form of kindness. When you define the What, Why, When, and How, you give your team the chance to show up with confidence and purpose.

And guess what? When they don’t follow through, it’s way easier to follow up without guilt trips or drama—because you know what was expected.

Let’s keep building strong, confident teams—one clear conversation at a time.