Why Volunteering makes you a better leader

You know volunteering is good for the community. But can volunteering make you a better leader?


Lots of leaders volunteer. According to the Department of Labor Statistics,  more than a quarter of the American population volunteers, and employed people volunteer more frequently than the unemployed.


Many corporations actively support volunteering; 48 of the 100 companies recognized in the 100 Best Places to Work  give paid time off for volunteering; and Starbucks and others have made volunteering part of their turnaround stories. Time and again, people shared these key ways volunteering makes them a better leader.


Expanded perspective


Volunteering takes you outside of your comfort zone, giving you an opportunity to work with new challenges, people, politics and interpersonal dynamics. Volunteering offers new perspective on priorities.


Discovery of new talents


It can sometimes feel risky to try out new skills at work. It may also be difficult to convince someone to give you a chance to use your untested skills. Most volunteer organizations are glad for the help. You seldom have to prove your qualifications to be given a chance. Good leaders understand that employees are learning outside of work. The smart ones then leverage these skills.


Honed influence


Let’s be frank — there is a benefit to power. No matter how empowering your approach, the higher you are on the organizational chart, the more likely folks will be to do what you ask. Volunteering levels the playing field. Will people still follow if they don’t have to? How must you show up differently to make that happen?


Freedom to experiment


Ideally you can take risks at work. That’s easier in some organizations than others. Most volunteer gigs give you latitude to experiment and try new things. This is a common theme.


A larger network


Volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet and work with new people. These new folks have different experiences and approaches. Plus, most of them also have day jobs, giving you an opportunity to make career connections.

Volunteering is an investment in the community — and in your growth as leader.

Thanks to Karin Hurt.