Leveraging Downtime for Good: How Volunteer Work Makes You a Better Business Leader (and Why Your Company Should Care)

?In today's constantly connected world, downtime feels like a luxury. But what if I told you that strategically disconnecting to reconnect with your community could be the key to becoming a better leader?

In the past, I've dedicated a portion of my time to volunteering at GE ELFUN, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering peace and intercultural understanding through education.? GE ELFUN played a pivotal role in the inspiring project of building a multi-ethnic school in war-torn Kosovo.? [You can find a short video about the project here]

Working alongside GE ELFUN has been an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for the impact we make on these children's lives, but for the ways it's transformed my approach to business.

Here's how dedicating a small portion of my time to volunteering has made me a stronger leader:

Sharpened Skills:? Volunteering at GE ELFUN has pushed me outside my comfort zone, forcing me to develop new skills in areas like project management, communication, and creative problem-solving.? For example, during the construction of the school, we encountered a logistical nightmare when key building material delivery was delayed or the construction workers didn’t show up.? Through creative problem-solving and clear communication with our local partners, we were able to overcome these hurdles. These skills have directly translated to my work at GE and my companies to come, where I now lead a cross-functional teams developing various projects and initiatives? By fostering open communication and approaching challenges with a creative mindset, I've been able to keep the project on track and exceed expectations.

? Enhanced Empathy:? Working alongside people from different backgrounds at GE ELFUN has fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our global community.? The students at the Kosovo school come from families impacted by war and ethnic tensions.? Witnessing their resilience and their thirst for knowledge has been incredibly humbling.? This empathy allows me to better connect with my team members on a personal level and tailor my leadership style to their strengths. It's also helped me to understand the diverse needs of our customers, leading to the development of more inclusive and impactful products and services at GE, TOONGER and dm

? Increased Resilience:? Volunteering exposes you to real-world problems and the perseverance it takes to solve them.? At GE ELFUN, we've faced numerous challenges, from bureaucratic hurdles to dealing with bribery.? Working together as a team, we were able to solve these issues in a proper and compliant way. This newfound resilience helps me navigate challenges at work with a calmer and more determined mindset.

But the benefits of volunteering extend far beyond the individual. According to “Points of Light”, companies with strong volunteer programs boast a 15% increase in employee engagement.? Encouraging volunteering not only strengthens your workforce but also fosters a positive company culture and brand image.? Customers are increasingly drawn to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, and volunteering is a fantastic way to showcase your company's values.

So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a step back and giving back to your community. You might be surprised at how much you, and your business, gain from the experience.

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#Volunteering #SocialResponsibility #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeWellbeing #GiveBack