Stephen H Baum Leadership

I have seen the “safety net” today and it is in trouble as every funding source shrinks the money provided for projects and operations. And you could do something about it by volunteering your time and knowledge to help a not for profit survive, especially a social service provider to the neediest.

In 2007, Harvard Community Partners of CT created a pro bono workshop for leaders of not for profits in Connecticut. In our state as in your neighborhood, an army of dedicated and experienced professionals without management training lead organizations that help teens recover from their mistakes, light up mentally challenged children with participative music and art, comfort and support the elderly and lots more. Today, three dozen or so such leaders were treated to an interactive workshop on “execution:” getting things done with smart planning and action. They analyzed a past project for its deficiencies, then planned the most critical next project. As evidenced by their comments in the wrap-up on what they learned, the Harvard Business School Alumni who facilitated made a difference that will be amplified by the leaders on return to their organizations.

And you…what can you do beside write a check? Identify a not for profit that needs help and volunteer. Check in with your own alumni organization or religious institution for opportunities to volunteer.

What’s in it for you? Personal satisfaction. The reward of seeing good people succeed. And learning. Yes, learning. One of my friends volunteered for a very difficult challenge faced by a local charity. Soon he was a volunteer project leader. Then the Chairman of the charity. Always a financial functional person in his jobs, he learned what it is like to sit in the hotseat. Then he was recruited away from his CFO job to be president and heir-apparent apprentice to the CEO of a small business. It could happen to you.

That’s my view. What’s yours?

Harvard Community Partners CT