Out There

Good managers extend their horizons, for both personal development and career advancement.  Even though our own organizations afford innumerable challenges on which to expend time, we need to join in the activities of other organizations as well.  Exposure to different organizational cultures reveals how other groups set priorities and make decisions.  We can merely gain understanding or we can incorporate new practices into our management style.  And, we can contribute our experience and knowledge to other groups.

•  Volunteer for a charity: Many senior managers and executives volunteer, especially in high profile charities.  Their skills will be displayed in meetings, and a keen observer can learn how to manage in various situations.  Hierarchy is often erased while participating in fund-raising activities, enabling direct interaction with people who have been successful in their careers.
• Join your professional group: Many professional associations include executives and managers at every level, and from organizations of every size.   Lunches with speakers allow for pro-active self-introduction (networking – don’t just hang out with friends), as well as listening to the messages from the respected special guest.  
• Find a board:  Volunteering as a board member can be a career in itself.  Members of high-powered boards usually were members of boards for smaller organizations earlier in their lives.  Start local with a community organization, or apply to civic boards in late August each year, or move onto the board of your favourite charity.  

Working with people from many backgrounds will be both enlightening and fun.  If it’s not, don’t give up.  Chalk the time up to experience and find another group.