In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 20-26), I wanted to share my thoughts about the power of volunteering and its role in shaping strong, effective leaders.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving time—it’s also about developing valuable leadership skills while positively impacting your community. I have learned and grown so much through my volunteer experiences. The list of learnings is long, so here are just a few ways that volunteering has supported my leadership growth journey.

Stronger Communication Skills

My volunteer experiences required me to connect and communicate with diverse groups of people. I learned to adapt my communication style and enhance my ability to convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful conversations – key skills for any leader.

Building Emotional Intelligence

Through working with and interacting with people from different backgrounds, I developed empathy and understanding, both vital components of emotional intelligence. The more I engaged with others, the better I became at recognizing and managing emotions – both mine and others’ – a crucial trait for effective leadership.

Learning to Lead with Purpose

Leadership is not just about overseeing others but also about inspiring and motivating them toward a common goal. My volunteer work required me to focus on a cause larger than myself, which fostered a deeper sense of purpose. Leading in this context encouraged me to think about the bigger picture and how my actions impact others, helping me hone the kind of leadership rooted in service and vision.

Expanding My Network

Through my volunteer work, I have met so many people from different sectors, backgrounds, and geographies. I’ve built relationships with fellow volunteers, community leaders, and people who share my passions. These connections have opened doors to new opportunities, helped grow my leadership circle, and even helped me to advance my career.

Building Confidence and Taking Initiative

Volunteering has forced me to step outside my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and assume leadership responsibilities. These experiences have significantly boosted my confidence, made me more comfortable in leadership positions, and made me more willing to take initiative.

If you aren’t currently volunteering, I encourage you to find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests and passions. The benefits will pay dividends for years to come!