Volunteering as a Way of Leading

Half way through my 20 year Army career, I got an email from my former Battalion Intel Officer.? He was starting a nonprofit, Team Red, White and Blue (Team RWB), to help Veterans connect with their communities and remain physically active.? The idea of helping other Veterans while doing something I loved made the answer simple: ‘I’m in,’ I responded.? Little did I know the effect it would have on my military career, leadership style and the trajectory it would take me on over the next 10 years and more.?

The event, the result of a simple yes, sparked something in myself and all the others who took part.? I got more involved by continuing to volunteer for the organization.? I found volunteering as a way of growing myself, my connections, and my leadership.? It transformed my leadership style in ways that the military alone could not.? While the Army’s rank structure gives you authority over subordinates by rank alone, I found that did not transfer to the leading volunteers.? I had to adapt my style and learn some hard lessons along the way.??

Here are some key insights into how volunteering has contributed to my growth as a leader.

1. Empathy and Compassion: Volunteering often involves working with individuals who are facing challenging circumstances. This has taught me to be more empathetic and compassionate towards others. As a leader, understanding the struggles and needs of your team members is crucial in building strong, supportive relationships.

2. Effective Communication: In the Army, we had a shared background that made communication easy.? Volunteering frequently necessitates collaboration with people from various backgrounds and ages. This has improved my ability to communicate effectively, adapting my style to connect with diverse groups. As a leader, this skill is invaluable in conveying ideas, listening to feedback, and resolving conflicts. Having also worked in the multilingual environment of NATO, this has proved to be valuable beyond calculation.?

3. Adaptability: In volunteering, situations can change rapidly, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. This has honed my ability to remain calm under pressure and make informed decisions on the fly. As a leader, being adaptable is essential for guiding a team through unforeseen challenges. I always say, “Things turn out best for those who make the best out of the way things turn out”.

4. Teamwork: Volunteering often involves teamwork on projects where everyone has a role to play. This experience has taught me the importance of collaboration, delegation, and recognizing each team member's strengths. These skills are vital for leading a cohesive and motivated group.

5. Problem-Solving: Volunteering exposes you to a wide range of problems that need solutions. Whether it's finding ways to maximize limited resources or addressing unexpected obstacles, I've learned to approach problems creatively and persistently. This is essential in leadership roles, where decision-making can have far-reaching consequences.

6. Time Management: Balancing volunteering with other commitments requires excellent time management skills. Learning to allocate time efficiently has made me more organized and better equipped to juggle multiple responsibilities as a leader.? It may sound hard to put in hours at night when the kids are asleep, but you have to ask yourself how much you want to improve yourself and others rather than watching another TV show.

7. Motivation and Inspiration: Volunteering often involves individuals who are driven by a sense of purpose rather than monetary rewards. This has inspired me to lead by example and motivate others through shared values and goals, rather than just financial incentives.?

8. Conflict Resolution: Volunteering sometimes exposes you to conflicts and disagreements within a team. Dealing with such situations has improved my conflict resolution skills, which are indispensable in leadership roles where interpersonal issues can impact productivity and morale.

9. Networking: Volunteering provides opportunities to meet people from various professions and backgrounds. Building a broad network has been beneficial not only for personal growth but also for expanding my leadership reach by connecting with like-minded individuals and potential mentors.

10. Servant Leadership: Through volunteering, I've come to understand the concept of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs of their team members above their own. This approach fosters trust and loyalty among team members, ultimately enhancing their collective performance.

My volunteer journey undoubtedly made me a better leader, person and parent. It equipped me with essential skills, instilled values, and deepened my understanding of leadership's true essence. Volunteering has not only enriched my life but also enabled me to positively impact the lives of others. I now work for Team RWB as the special events manager.? I continue to encourage former soldiers I worked with to volunteer as a way of not only giving back, but also developing those essential skills to lead themselves and others. You never know where it will take you, but it is about the journey, not the destination.?