In today’s world, “leadership” is a trendy term frequently used in corporate meetings and management literature. However, if you were to ask experienced leaders to identify their pivotal moments, you’ll find that numerous ones credit their development not solely to job titles or advancements, but to their involvement in volunteering.

Let’s see how diving into volunteering can be the most effective and hands-on method to refine your leadership abilities, regardless of your career stage.

1. Safe Space for Learning

When you volunteer, the stakes are much different than in the office. Nonprofit boards and community organizations count on driven people-often with limited experience-to step in, take initiative, and learn by doing. Mistakes are rarely detrimental to your career, and instead, they’re teachable moments. This safe-space environment allows for one to push boundaries, try new methods, and get comfortable being uncomfortable-all without fearing for your job.

2. Real Leadership, Real Responsibility

Aside from popular belief, volunteers often hold significant responsibilities. Running a fundraising campaign, planning an event, or leading a service project puts you in charge of real budgets, real people, and real outcomes. It serves as practice in organization, communication, and decision-making-essential skills for any leadership role.

3. Building Empathy and Collaboration

Great leaders listen, empathize, and bring out the best in others-core qualities you’ll naturally develop in diverse volunteer settings. Community work means gathering people with different backgrounds, skill sets, and motivations around a common cause. You’ll learn how to unite a team, solve problems together, and navigate challenging conversations-traits that transfer directly to professional leadership.

4. Expanding Your Network

Volunteering is also one of the most organic ways to meet other leaders (and learn from them). Whether you’re working alongside nonprofit executives, local business owners, or emerging professionals, you’re exposed to a wealth of ideas and mentorship opportunities. Many lasting business relationships, and even lifelong friendships, start in the trenches of community service.

5. Discovering Your Leadership Style

There’s no “one size fits all” approach to leading.Volunteer experiences give you the space to experiment: Are you more of a visionary or pragmatic doer? Do you excel at motivating teams, building consensus, or working behind the scenes? Volunteering provides a low-pressure arena to find (and refine) your leadership voice, which you’ll carry with confidence into your career.

Ultimately, leadership isn’t about authority – it’s about service. The most inspiring leaders are those who step up to serve a purpose bigger than themselves, whether that’s inside their organization or out in the community.