The Hidden Leadership Development Tool Companies Are Missing

Volunteer Work: The Underutilized Training and Development Tool

When companies think about training and development, they often focus inward workshops, webinars, certifications. But one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) growth tools is volunteer work.

Strategic volunteering sharpens leadership skills, builds networks, strengthens communities, and reinforces company values all at once.

Done well, it benefits:

• The community (through real service and support)

• The organization (through stronger, more connected employees)

• The employee (through leadership practice, skill development, and deeper purpose)

Volunteer Work as Career Development at Different Stages

Early Career:
Volunteering builds fundamental skills like communication, teamwork, project management, and customer service.
Example: A new hire leads logistics for a community fundraising event, developing time management and stakeholder coordination skills.

Mid-Career:
Volunteering offers a leadership sandbox managing without formal authority, handling ambiguity, and navigating multiple priorities.
Example: A senior analyst joins the board of a local nonprofit, applying strategic planning skills in a new, complex environment.

Senior-Level:
Volunteering strengthens executive presence, board-level governance experience, and public visibility.
Example: A VP mentors young entrepreneurs through a startup incubator, refining coaching skills and growing their external leadership brand.

Why Companies Should Actively Leverage Volunteer Work

Volunteerism aligned with business values strengthens the brand, builds community trust, and engages employees beyond their day jobs.

The organizational benefits:

• Develop leadership skills in low-risk, high-growth environments

• Expand employee networks inside and outside the industry

• Increase employee engagement and pride

• Support DEI initiatives through community-driven impact

• Improve employer branding with authentic stories of service

How the Resilient Leaders Program Supports Volunteer-Based Development

The Resilient Leaders Program (RLP) helps employees connect volunteering to leadership growth by:

• Building reflection practices (what skills did you apply?)

• Reinforcing communication frameworks (how did you lead without formal authority?)

• Strengthening confidence to step into unfamiliar leadership roles outside their job title

It turns volunteer work from "extra credit" into intentional leadership development a real part of someone's career journey.

Final Thought

Volunteer work is more than feel-good PR.
It’s a practical, strategic tool to grow confident, adaptable leaders while making a meaningful difference.

Organizations that intentionally weave volunteer opportunities into their career development frameworks don’t just build skills they build legacy.