Do you create events that require hundreds of volunteers? Or  events within your company by begging and borrowing resources?  When you have a staff that temporarily exists for events it's important to take extra steps to ensure the individuals work as a team and provide your guests with a high level of service.

A few ideas to inspire and keep your staff smiling:

* Host briefing meetings prior to the event day to inform your volunteers/staff about the event.  In addition to the logistical details, share the event details: why this event is being held, who the clients are, what the desired outcomes are, etc. 

* Provide written instructions.  It may seem overkill to have a "How To" list for the coat check volunteer, but people want to do a good job, so why not spell out exactly what a "good job" looks like and provide step by step instructions of what you expect.

* Manuals are essential when you have a multi-day event.  When working at '96 Olympics, my best friend and I were given the task of developing the Volunteer Handbook for the 1500 volunteers on Yachting (yes - lowest on the totem pole and got that task). The manual provided guidance on hundreds of different scenarios and roles, and took many, many hours, but the staff were informed and therefore empowered to make decisions.

* Provide free food.  Who knew how happy free coffee and bagels can make a group of volunteers, especially at 5:30 in the morning before a golf tournament.  Small financial investment, huge reward.

* Bribes, I mean gifts....Free event t-shirts are always appreciated by the team.  Other small tokens that can go a long way: movie tickets, gift cards, event notebooks, even keychains. 

* After the event it's very meaningful to pass along positive feedback you heard from clients or the executives about the team or specific individuals. 

* And of course, thank you notes to all who helped make this event a success.

There are hundreds of other great ways to inspire a team - please share any ideas you have by adding to the blog.