Does being involved in "Pro Bono" work add to the skills of Managers and Leaders
In today's society there are many support organisations for business, some funded by the government others via charitable support.
Charitable organisations are constantly looking for support from business owners, managers and leaders, one such example is The Princes Trust Business Mentoring programme.
But does giving your time for "free" help in either your career or by adding to your skill set.
Many would argue that people in business are "too busy" or "don't have the time" to support or mentor.
However, there are many plus points to the world of pro bono work. For example, offering your services to a non profit organisation can be hugely rewarding, managers and leaders have the advantage of being able to develop their skills in a non judgemental environment while receiving invaluable exposure to a whole new network of potential buyers and recommender's.
There are of course downsides to working for free, undertaking work and incurring expenses that clients would usually pay for and working in a non commercial environment can be frustrating.
This is of course a very brief insight into this subject but a valid conversational topic in the world of commercial management and leadership.
Matthew Clayton AIBC
Official Ambassador - The Institute of Business Consulting and Chartered Management Institute
14th May 2010
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Hi Matthew
I've done quite a bit of pro bono in my time and have found it to be immensely helpful and different from the 'day job' in some profound and interesting ways. Some of this has perhaps been because the 'client' has had a more open and receptive attitude than can be the case with colleagues or 'paying clients' - because they really needed and appreciated the help - and some of it, I suspect, has been the result of differences in my behaviour - less pressure to conform to a brief, less political baggage, less clock-watching with the meter running, a greater sense of well being from doing something wholly 'worthy' - and a rare chance to do something leader-like for the sheer joy of doing good. It shaped my approach and made me more concerned with the greater good and raised my sights to think about others rather than myself and what I wanted to achieve. I'd recommend it to any leader.
I've done a good bit of volunteering work as well. In the online world it has been a crucial testing ground for new ideas and concepts. As you say, the pressure isn't quite as high as in a paid environment, and often money isn't there to throw at a problem so it forces you to be creative in how you handle things, which of course applies to people as well as problems. You can't motivate people financially in a volunteer environment so you have to get to the root cause of their motivation and work from there. It's a refreshing approach that can bring real dividends when applied to your 9-5 job.
Yes, I think it can help, although it does depend on the kind of things you're doing. You have to be getting skills and experience that will benefit your career.