“I have spent my life taking care and serving others. I am now in a leadership role and my biggest challenge is shifting my thinking from serving to leading.”—TA Reader
If you’ve spent years volunteering, parenting/caretaking, or just being the go-to person when help is needed, you’ve undeniably picked up some valuable leadership skills along the way.
The challenge: Figuring out how to take those skills and practically apply them in a leadership role.
The good news: Everything you’ve learned from giving back is pure gold in the workplace.
Here’s how to implement all that hard-earned life experience into a boss leadership strategy.
Quick Thinking and Problem-Solving
When you’re organizing schedules or leading community projects, things don’t always go as planned. Maybe a key volunteer cancels last minute, or supplies don’t arrive on time.
🫵 You’ve learned how to adapt on the fly, think creatively, and find solutions fast.
✅ These problem-solving skills are priceless at work, especially in fast-paced environments where change is constant.
Teamwork and Communication
Service is all about working with others – often from different backgrounds and with different viewpoints.
🫵 You’ve learned how to communicate clearly, listen actively, and bring people together to get things done.
✅ In the workplace, these skills help you build strong teams and create a positive, collaborative environment where everyone feels included and appreciated.
Dedication and Work Ethic
Let’s be honest—giving back isn’t always easy. It takes commitment, perseverance, and a strong sense of responsibility.
🫵 Whether you were raising a family or leading volunteer groups, you’ve shown up, put in the work, and made things happen.
✅ This kind of dedication sets a powerful example in the workplace and encourages others to bring their A-game, too.
Making It Work At Work
Tips to turn your servitude experience into career success:
- Speak Their Language: When talking about your previous experience, avoid using insider lingo. Keep it simple and relatable to the job in front of you.
- Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight your work ethic and the problem-solving and communication strengths we mentioned above. These elements are all found in effective leaders.
- Keep Growing: Be open to learning new things. Whether it’s taking a class or finding a mentor, continuous learning helps you adapt and grow in your success.
Those years of service have shaped you into a capable and compassionate leader. By transferring your experiences from servitude to authority, you can inspire others to lead with purpose.