The Corporate Rebel's Guide To Being Of Service

Time to read: 1 minute, 15 seconds

I finally had a few hours to pour over all the input you sent after the New Year. You asked me to talk about things from the existential (How do we trust our inner knowing?) to the tactical. (How do I know when a meeting needs to be in person vs virtual?)

I'm excited to dive in on the things you care about.

Today is about service. A few of you asked how you can make a difference when the world's problems seem so big. You're needed. Really. Here's what I mean:

I recently started substitute teaching at my children's school. Although I teach in my business, I'm not a trained teacher and a classroom full of students terrified me. After my teens schooled me in how not to be lame, I took my first assignment in the middle school. Turns out I like middle schoolers and that everything I've learned as a trainer and leader made me pretty good at engaging kids.

There's much need these days so here are my three criteria for service so you can look around your corner of the universe and decide where to plug yourself in:

• What's in it for them? The main point of service is to actually meet a need and make things better. Knowing that you're making a difference, even to one person, motivates you. In my world, there aren't enough substitute teachers. The past two years have been rough on educators, and they need back up.
• What's in it for you? When you meet a need for others and yourself, it's a win-win. Find service that benefits you or people you love or helps you develop a skill or a new perspective. I want school to stay open for my kids and all kids. I'm also an extrovert and am happier when I'm out in the world, live and in person. And I get a free lunch!
• Can you do it? Use your skills and gifts. I wouldn't volunteer in technology or construction. I'm great with people, good on my feet and entertaining. Perfect for a class of 5th graders. I can also schedule my coaching to leave a few days open for subbing. Look for the openings in your schedule, even if it's just once or twice a month.

Today a 5th grader thanked me for being a good sub and a preteen told me she liked my dress. So worth it.

Selfishness = Service

Time to read: 55.3 seconds

In January, my doctor friend sent me a text.

"You should volunteer for this. They said they need organized non-medical people, and you are the most organized non-medical person I know."

She was talking about vaccine clinics. I couldn't fill out the volunteer form fast enough.

My motivation? Me. 100% pure, selfish me.

I had to get out of my house and be among the peoples. As an extrovert in an introverted household, COVID has been parched. Being part of the action and around people I don't already know sounded like heaven. The vaccine clinics have filled a dinner party-sized hole in my life.

I'm also a great volunteer. I'm enthusiastic and friendly. I take direction and do what I'm told. My schedule is flexible so I'm available. I can talk to anyone and handle stress. I recruit friends. I bring muffins. I serve.

People have told me how grateful they are for my service, and at first I felt a little guilty because I knew I was there for the socializing.

Then it dawned on me. Both things can be true. In fact, self-interest and service are the perfect pairing.

Service is easier when you feel like you have skin in the game. It's more fun. You're more motivated. You are free from any sense of martyrdom or self-importance which keeps your eye on the prize - socializing service.

As your world starts to open to include a wider view, where can you pair your self-interest with service?

It's a lot of fun.