Götz Leander Hübner

Member Association: Volt Germany

Gender: Male

What strategy would you implement to recruit and retain highly specialised volunteers for the functional teams, for example in communications, policy, or data, over a full Board term? 

First, recruitment should be targeted. Instead of making general appeals, I would specify what skill sets are needed in the communications, policy-making, and data analysis areas, and then recruit among the current members and supporters of Volt who are qualified for the job. For that, a definite role definition, realistic timeline, and expected impact would be necessary.
Second, retention will depend on the volunteer's initial experience. Skilled volunteers need good orientation, proper assignment, good management, and efficient organization. Most leave not because they are not committed, but rather because they do not have any mandate or good coordination. Hence, my priority will be professionalization and efficient management.
Third, sustained commitment will be vital. Volunteers stay committed when they are acknowledged for their effort, when they grow personally, and when they build expertise. In just one term of board service, I can formulate career advancement plans for the volunteers so they can move up to leadership positions.
Lastly, for me, being a volunteer in Volt will mean both political influence and professional growth..

Non-executive Board members must both support and challenge the executives. Describe a situation where you would publicly back the Co-Presidents, and one where you would publicly dissent. What guides your choice?

If the Co-Presidents made a difficult but essential decision for the benefit of Volt, then I would definitely give my public support to them. For example, if the Co-Presidents made some decisions which will bring stability and accountability to Volt despite not being favoured by all of its members, then, provided that they were well-thought-out and properly implemented in accordance with the values of Volt, I would publicly endorse them.
However, if the executives of Volt were taking steps that would undermine the core values of Volt, would contravene proper procedures and processes in decision-making, and, therefore, endanger the reputation of Volt, then I would definitely express public dissent against them. In particular, in case where the decisions were against the culture of Volt without going through proper procedures, then after voicing out my concerns to no avail, I would have to go public.
Therefore, the criterion that will determine whether a person will show public approval or dissent to Volt’s leadership is whether the action involves much more than just a mere business dispute. While any disagreements can be sorted out by the Board, other matters like integrity, governance, and reputation should be taken publicly.

What would you do if you believed the Board was making a decision that conflicted with Volt Europa's core values?

In case i felt that the Board was making a decision which contradicted the values that Volt Europa stands for, I would make sure I raised my objection to this decision at the Board level. It is important to bear in mind that, along with taking part in making common decisions, the task of the Non-Executive Director includes ensuring the integrity of the organization. This entails raising questions regarding whether the decision made adheres to the values of Volt, its justification and fairness.
My position on this matter will imply understanding the logic behind the decision made, challenging it and proposing another, one which better corresponds to the values of Volt. Should it be necessary, I would even suggest delaying the implementation of the decision until such time as we can explore its possible effects, discuss it with all relevant parties involved or seek expert opinion.
Should, however, the Board decision still contradict the values of Volt after all efforts were made, it would be my moral obligation not to harm the reputation of our organization, hence my official opposition to this decision.