Volunteering attributes

After doing research, it was found that project coordinators, host organisations, and volunteers considered the following personal attributes or characteristics important for being a good volunteer.

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It is important to note that a lack of these personal attributes or characteristics does not mean someone is not fit to become a volunteer. However, all volunteers are encouraged to strive to attain them.

Strengths and weaknesses

Some strengths can be a weakness in another culture and vice versa. Two examples of this are:

Being direct is considered a strength in the Netherlands, but could be seen as a weakness in countries where communication is more indirect.
Standing up for yourself can be seen as a strength in some cultures. In other cultures this could be seen as a weakness. Especially in certain circumstances. For example in cultures where there is a lot of respect for elderly people. Giving your opinion could be seen as rude when speaking to someone older than you.

Answer the following questions about your strengths and weaknesses. You can use the strengths and weaknesses listed below the questions for some inspiration.

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Strengths
Empathy
Being Analytical
Reliability
Diligence
Being able to Concentrate
Discretion
Sobriety
Lenience
Thoughtfulness
Ambition
Openness
Being caring
Easy to talk to
Being relaxed
Being content
Being Well groomed
Being Independent
Versatility
Honesty
Go-Getter
Flexibility
Being able to put things in perspective
Helpfulness
Discernment
Happiness
Cheerfulness
Tolerance
Modesty
Responsibility
Earnestness
Being a Good listener
Idealistic
Interested
Disciplined
Generosity
Determination
Spontaneity
Confidence
Being Goal-oriented
Patience
Playfulness
Being Observant
Dedication
Creativity
Being Structured
Being Optimistic
Being Innovative
Intelligence
Balance
Respectfulness
Being Inventive
Persuasiveness
Being Humorous
Having Courage
Diligence
Being Powerful
Knowing how to mediate
Being Friendly
Being Enthusiastic
Being Skillful
Being Organized
Being Hands-on
Being Inspiring
Calmness
Being Clear
Being Adventurous
Being Direct
Tenderness
To stand up for yourself
Consistency

Weaknesses
Narrow-mindedness
Clumsiness
Egoistical
Being Jealous
Big-spender
Being Strict
Being Submissive
Being Nosey
Intolerance
Being Too precise
Being Boastful
Being Talkative
Dishonesty
Being Slow
Being Unsettled
Being Vague
Superficiality
Being blunt
Passivity
Being Unreasonable
Being Hypersensitive
Being Excessively-concerned
Being Pessimistic
Being Rigid
Timidity
Agressiveness
Being unapproachable
Being Capricious
Not being warm
Being Suspicious
Being Misleading
Being Mean
Being Unkempt
Being Absent-minded
Being Sloppy
Being Cranky
Being Prejudiced
Carelessness
Being Undisciplined
Stubbornness
Being Pushy
Not standing up for yourself
not being able to keep a secret
Indifference
Hesitance
Impatience
Recklessness
Being Chaotic
Being Uncooperative
Not being direct
Being Easily distracted
Being too Dependent
Being a Bad listener
Being Rude
Being Stressed
Insistance
Arrogance
Greediness
Having no opinion of your own
Being Naive
Laziness
Being Too critical
Being Unsatisfied
Being Authoritarian
Being Uncertain
Complaining
Being Unrealistic
Being Cynical
Being Reserved
Being Stingy

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