In nature when plants and animals of different species interact in their relationships generally fall into one of three categories when it comes to how they impact each other. Parasitic relationships are ones where one party benefits at the other's expense. There are some relationships where one party benefits but the other is relatively unaffected. One example is a small bird riding the back of a giant rhinoceros - the bird gets a free ride and the rhinoceros, given it's size, is usually none the wiser. The final and most advantageous relationship is mutualism, one where all parties that interact together benefit.
After attending a GMSHRM event yesterday evening encouraging mentoring and civic involvement for HR professionals I felt a lot of truth and validity in their words. During my off time I went and visited the humorous apparel distributor BustedTees where they have a T-Shirt that reads "Volunteering: It Doesn't Pay". This made me think - yes, by definition there are no monetary benefits – but on multiple levels there are positives for all involved, including…
The Organization You Volunteer For Benefits Whether it is for a school, community group, professional organization – you’re doing a service to help out others. To truly unlock your passions I’d recommend aligning your volunteering with causes that have a personal reach. One example that comes to mind is a colleague of mine who was in a major car accident and received 4 pints of blood to save her life – now she helps to organize drives with the local blood bank. This sense of a personal mission not only benefits the community at large but also…
Volunteering Creates an Intrinsic Satisfaction Generally when individuals volunteer their time they feel that they are contributing to a cause and giving of their time to make a difference. This creates a sense of mild euphoria for many people and can have a profoundly positive impact on one’s life. This positive aura often translates into other areas of one’s life, including the professional arena. As the axiom says, happy employees make happy customers!
It Can Help To Build Your Network Volunteering will help you to meet new individuals from all walks of life and generally there will be many common threads between the individuals you encounter and work with in these programs. Many relationships, personal and professional, have been forged in this manner. This is a great way to become interlaced in a community and meet influential persons. Networking is an essential part of career development and some of the individuals you meet may have a profound impact on your future.
One final point, not to be forgotten –
It Helps Your Personal Brand Sometimes lost in the shuffle is that volunteering can help to establish yourself and your identity. The others that you work with when you give your energy and time see you in a new dimension and it certainly adds a layer to your professional identity. This is why volunteering is highly recommended for all persons regardless of career status or position – it is truly a win-win for all involved and the results really do “pay” when you pay it forward.
How can you get involved? Organizations and volunteer boards are always looking for assistance! Ask those in your network, professional affiliations, friends and neighbors about the opportunities that exist near you. Find one that aligns with personal passions of yours and get involved where everybody truly wins!
-Kevin
@kcoynehr
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