Leadership Lessons learned from Volunteering in the Local Community

We had our inaugural volunteering day at Aspiring last week and what a day it was...

We have been talking about doing this for so long but never actually got round to organising until one of our amazing team - Hayley took the initiative and made it happen and she found a perfect opportunity for us to give something back to the local community on our doorstep.

It has never been tougher for charities to survive & thrive than in the current day as we have all felt the squeeze due to the cost of living over the last 2 / 3 years and charities are seeing donations dwindle - people are giving less and less as well as stopping their small monthly direct debits as every ï¿¡ matters when you are feeding, clothing or heating your families, but if we don't have spare money , we always have our time ...

So it was decided that we were going to spend the day at St Bridget's, a local Care Home within walking distance of our office which is home to around 40 physically disabled adults and helps them live as independently as possible.

It was founded in 1948 by a former Second World War RAF pilot,Leonard Cheshire who took a dying man into this home as he had nowhere else to go.

With no money ,Leonard nursed the man himself in his home , the two men became friends and this act of kindness prompted more people to go to Leonard for help.By the summer of 1949, his home had 24 residents with complex needs, illnesses and impairments and as awareness of Leonard's work spread he started to receive referrals .

As his home become established , people started to champion the need for similar homes in their communities and the Leonard Cheshire charity had begun and St Bridget's is one of many such homes across the UK doing valuable work

We spend the day weeding the garden , sanding down their wooden tables and benches and applying a coat of varnish to protect them so the residents could sit outside and enjoy the beautiful garden.

We all left tired,dirty ( with varnish stains on our clothes in some cases - ok it was just me as I am not really the best at DIY.....) but of all of us were unbelievably grateful to do something useful and tangible and give something back.

It may be age or maturity( I might have the first now but definitely not the second) but having done a number of these days with previous businesses over the years, I always enjoyed them but this time, I found myself more reflective post the volunteering day than useful .I took some time to consider the lessons to be learnt from an individual basis as well as a team perspective.

I believe that volunteering in the local community and giving back to society are not only acts of kindness but also valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. Engaging in such activities provides individuals & teams with unique insights and valuable leadership lessons that can be applied in various aspects of life. In this article, I will explore some key leadership lessons that can be learned through volunteering in the local community and giving back.

1. Empathy and Understanding

Volunteering allows individuals to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Engaging with different communities cultivates empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges and issues faced by others. Leadership is rooted in the ability to understand and relate to the needs and perspectives of others. By volunteering, individuals learn to listen, communicate effectively, and develop a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

2. Collaboration and Teamwork

Successful volunteering initiatives often require teamwork and collaboration. Leaders must learn to work with a diverse group of individuals, leveraging their unique skills and talents to achieve a common goal. Volunteering provides ample opportunities to hone these skills by engaging in group projects, coordinating with volunteers, and collaborating with community organizations. These experiences foster effective teamwork, effective communication, and the ability to motivate and inspire others towards a shared purpose.

3. Adaptability and Problem-Solving

Volunteering often involves working in dynamic and unpredictable environments. Leaders must be adaptable and resourceful, capable of adjusting their strategies to meet evolving needs and unexpected challenges. Volunteering experiences expose individuals to a wide range of situations that require quick thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Leaders emerge from these experiences with enhanced resilience, creativity, and the ability to find innovative solutions in the face of adversity.

4. Vision and Goal Setting

Successful volunteering initiatives are driven by a clear vision and well-defined goals. Leaders who engage in community service learn the importance of setting objectives, creating a roadmap, and developing strategies to achieve those goals. Through volunteering, individuals gain experience in articulating a vision, establishing priorities, and mobilising resources to bring about positive change. These skills are invaluable in leadership roles, whether in professional or personal contexts.

5. Servant Leadership

Volunteering in the local community reinforces the concept of servant leadership, which is centred around selflessness, humility, and a commitment to serving others. By giving back, leaders learn to put the needs of others before their own, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability. They understand that true leadership is about empowering others and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those they serve. This mindset forms the foundation of effective leadership and fosters trust, loyalty, and respect among team members.

Volunteering in the local community and giving back not only benefits society but also offers individuals & teams invaluable leadership lessons.?

Through these experiences, individuals develop empathy, collaboration skills, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of vision. The principles of servant leadership become ingrained, emphasising the importance of humility and selflessness in leadership roles.

As individuals engage in volunteering and community service, they not only contribute positively to society but also become better leaders in their personal and professional lives. By embracing these leadership lessons, we can create a world where compassion, understanding, and collaboration are at the core of effective leadership.

We will definitely be doing this again and we have decided to increase the frequency and we are looking forward to next time - what are we doing this time Hayley ? ??