The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others – Mahatma Gandhi

Leadership & You #8

There is no leadership course on the planet that spits out leaders upon graduation. Leadership skills are acquired through practice and application. Volunteering is a powerful avenue for developing team and leadership skills. It offers a unique mechanism for individuals to contribute their time, energy, and expertise to the cause of an organisation, while gaining invaluable experience that enhances personal and professional growth.

Volunteerism is what strengthens a regional community. It is what fuels an inclusive, engaged, and resilient community. In recent times I have been saddened to see reports that many local community groups and charities are struggling or being forced to close due to a lack of volunteers. Volunteering may be the best leadership and team development program anyone ever undertakes. Don’t think of volunteering as a cost of time – but rather an investment in personal development.

Volunteering is a great vehicle to develop leadership, team, and self-development skills. You can add value to your local community at any age, in any capacity. I remember as a sixteen-year-old becoming a volunteer lifesaver at our local beach. It taught me two lifelong lessons. Firstly, personal responsibility for turning up for my shift when I said I would. Secondly, the importance of preparation and training for when the inevitable emergency arises. Hope is not a strategy!

Community volunteerism develops lifelong employability skills. When you volunteer you learn team and self-management skills, which build invaluable leadership qualities.

Volunteering fosters teamwork. When you join volunteer initiatives, you become part of diverse group with different backgrounds, ages, perspectives and strengths. This diversity mirrors the real-world workplace, where collaboration is paramount. In volunteer settings, people learn to navigate these differences, build bridges, and harness collective abilities. Importantly you discover how to work together cohesively, share responsibilities, and achieve common goals.

Volunteering nurtures leadership skills. Many volunteer opportunities offer individuals the chance to take on leadership roles. Whether it’s organising events, leading volunteer teams, or spearheading fundraising campaigns, volunteers often find themselves in positions of responsibility. These experiences develop leadership qualities such as decision-making, problem-solving, and communication. Volunteers learn to motivate and inspire others, manage resources efficiently, and adapt to unforeseen challenges – all essential leadership attributes.

Volunteering offers a practical learning ground for interpersonal skills. Volunteers interact with a diverse range of people, including fellow volunteers, beneficiaries, and community members. You learn to listen actively, empathise, and adapt communication styles to suit different audiences. This skillset is invaluable in leadership positions, where effective communication is key to influencing and inspiring others.

Volunteering instils a sense of responsibility and accountability. Volunteers commit to fulfilling their roles and delivering on promises, just as leaders do in professional settings. This sense of duty and ownership over one’s responsibilities is integral to leadership success. Volunteers often need to work independently, demonstrating self-motivation and time management skills that are highly prized in leadership positions.

Finally, volunteering provides a fertile ground for the cultivation of team and leadership skills. It offers real-world experiences where individuals learn to work collaboratively, lead effectively, communicate persuasively, and take responsibility for their actions.

So, a message to parents. Please encourage your children to volunteer and get involved with the community. There is always a myriad of opportunities to volunteer in a community. You just need to look. Leadership starts from within. Some of the best life lessons are experienced through serving the community.  

Leadership Lesson

Volunteering should not be seen as an imposition of time – but perhaps the best leadership development program anyone can undertake – and it is free!