The benefits of spending spare time support work in the community can be under-estimated. In a recent survey, the benefits of support community initiatives were highlighted when it was revealed that nearly half of West Midlands managers have leadership roles outside of work
The survey conducted by international leadership organisation Common Purpose also revealed that nearly half, 48 per cent, of West Midlands managers also have a leadership position outside of their paid jobs.
Furthermore, another 17 per cent of those surveyed said they planned to take-up a leadership role outside of work over the coming year. Becoming a school governor, sitting on a public board, becoming a special constable, being a volunteer, councillor or getting involved in a community campaign are just some of the ways UK leaders are giving something back.
Managers from the voluntary sector were least likely to take on leadership positions outside of work compared to private and public sector managers. Just 39 per cent of managers from the voluntary sector currently hold one of these positions compared to 50 per cent from the public sector and 52 per cent from the private sector.
The majority of managers (68 per cent) also feel that their companies and organisations are supportive of their out-of-work commitments and sympathetic to their wider life ambitions. This figure was highest among the private sector with 71 per cent of respondents feeling supported by their employer. This figure dropped to 67 per cent among public sector managers and 63 per cent among managers in the not-for-profit sectors.
When asked about how well equipped they feel to deal with the leadership challenges of the future UK managers’ confidence was also high with 85 per cent saying they feel well equipped.
Louise Teboul, West Midlands Regional Director for Common Purpose, said: This isn't purely a one-way street. If you leave your comfort zone as a leader and take on positions outside of your usual work, you will learn new skills and new ways of thinking that will, in return, make you a better leader at work.
"Our research shows that many leaders are already doing this with the support of their employers and with the confidence that they can continue making a difference into the future. Now, it’s time for the other half to stand up as leaders and do something. There are so many compelling reasons why it's a great thing to do."
