If you’re trying to get more effective at running your team, consider stepping outside the office and into a soup kitchen. Giving back to the community can boost your career by improving your leadership skills — including communication, problem-solving, multitasking and marketing.
According to Deloitte’s 2008 Volunteer IMPACT survey, this free training ground doesn’t go unnoticed by the corporate hierarchy. Ninety-one percent of respondents agreed that contributing business skills or expertise to a nonprofit can be an effective way to develop leadership qualities.
With 70 percent of HR leaders telling Deloitte their training budgets are flatter this year than last, it makes sense to look to a corporate volunteer program for opportunities to advance your skill set. If there isn’t one in place at your office, encourage HR to implement a program and take part. Or, just volunteer on your own time.
Not sure where to start? Try VolunteerMatch, Volunteer Solutions or Volunteer.gov to find opportunities in your area. Or pick a cause or issue you’re passionate about and contact a leading organization or charity directly.
(image by lynnfeatherstone via Flickr, CC 2.0)
