Workplace
Volunteering as Strategy
In our perpetually hectic workplaces, extra demands on time tend to be hot buttons for overworked professionals, who ask: Can I really spare the time to volunteer for this? How will I balance my work schedule against the volunteer work? Will I feel guilty about taking away from my family time to volunteer?
Logically and practically, volunteering rarely makes sense for people in high-pressured jobs where there's never enough time in the day. Therefore, if you focus on time, you're not likely to volunteer.
The decision to volunteer is strategic. Instead of concentrating on the issue of time (because - get over it! - there's never enough of it), think about:
- How will this enhance my professional growth?
- How will this contribute to my organization (employer)?
- What can I learn from this experience?
- Does it have good networking potential?
- Will I have fun doing it?
In the many years that I have served both as a volunteer and facilitator of board retreats, I have made the following observations about successful volunteer situations:
Good volunteers have a sincere interest in the organization, its mission, and its initiatives. This question is fundamental, but often overlooked: Does the volunteer situation interest you and can you see yourself committing resources to it? Don't volunteer because of perceived status or visibility when you aren't really interested.
The best volunteers range from enthusiastic to passionate about their volunteer activities. If you're not engaged as a volunteer, then it's going to feel like a burden - especially if you're short on time.
Busy people are the best volunteers. You know the adage: If you want to get something done, ask a busy person. Productive, busy people tend to be well-organized, good planners and bring these skills in their volunteer roles. The chairman of a board that I serve on is a senior vice president and general counsel for a Fortune 500 company, yet the amount of time he contributes to our board is remarkable.
People who apply their knowledge and experience to their volunteer pursuits have the opportunity to "exercise their expertise" in new and different ways. Frankly, this is a great way to get new perspective on the work that you do on an ongoing basis, and 95 percent of the time, the leaders of your volunteer organization are thrilled that you're contributing your talent in this way. You can then showcase your volunteer experience in future professional opportunities.
Flexibility is key. Yes, you need to be flexible as a volunteer, but is the organization willing to be flexible for you? For example, is travel required to attend volunteer activities, or is the organization willing to set up conference calls as an alternative for those who aren't local? Can in-person meetings be arranged to accommodate those coming from afar as well as those who are close by? When you're partnering with an organization that needs what you have to offer and wants your time and talent, it can be a win-win for everyone. Don't jump at everything that comes across your desk. Be discriminating. Commit to those activities that excite you, provide opportunities for growth, and can put you in the company of people who expand your network and sphere of influence.
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