Inspiring your Team to Go Beyond BIG
One of the ways to increase excitement and engagement in the ranks is to raise people’s self-worth. In this economy, a lot of charities have been hit really hard, and need awareness, funds, attention, and volunteers. Check out what one young Portland woman started just recently: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw It’s called the Pink Glove Dance. How contagious is this? I mean, really?! It rocks.
We all have our favorite charities, and now, more than ever, they need our help. How about an incentive of recognition to the employee or team that raises the most awareness or money, or has the most original idea to help their favorite charity out?
Here is my suggestion: Start right now to create thought continuity throughout the holiday mayhem and segueing into the reality of the “back-to-work” routine. When tax bills, the media, depression and suicide is at its peak, your employees will have the inspiration of doing something worthwhile to carry them through. Encourage them to collaborate and think BIG. Many times the people who are in the “back room” don’t get recognized, yet they are full of fun, humor, creativity and expertise that goes untapped. This is a way to pull everyone together, build relationship and comraderie.
Here are examples of two charities needing money, exposure, and volunteer help:
Big Brothers Big Sisters www.bbbsnorthwest.org BBBS has been around 108 years helping vulnerable children in communities across the country. A 2009 study found that adults who had been involved in the program as children are:
- 75% more likely to have received a 4-year college degree
- 39% more likely to have current household incomes of $75,000 per yr
- More satisfied with their relationships with friends, family and spouses
- More likely to volunteer in their community
SharedHope International www.sharedhope.org Shared Hope was started by US Congresswoman Linda Smith, who was so moved by the plight of young children being prostituted in India that she left Congress to start an International anti-sex slavery movement. The organization also authored the National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, for the US Justice Dept, and is newly focused on helping young American girls, who are being abducted from suburban homes in our communities and sold in the commercial sex industry. Shared Hope works in conjunction with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and many other organizations.
A brand new book not yet available in stores will educate you on how this happens right under our noses. You can get the book for a donation of any amount by going to www.rentinglacey.com
January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. If this tugs at your heartstrings, the 11th would be a great day to display your company’s counterpart to the “pink ribbon dance” , present your check to your favorite charity on “Good Morning America”, or have your team show up on Capital Hill.
Please let me know what ideas your team comes up with, and what charities you support. I’d love to keep track and report on the results. Volunteerism may be the answer to more than just helping others. It’s a win for your business, and your bottom line. I can actually do an ROI worksheet on that with you if you’d like!
Tags: Collaboration, Community, Engagement, Executive Coach, executive coaching, innovation, Leadership, Management, Productivity, Senior Management, Volunteerism
