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Stoicism and Volunteerism?

I often suggest on the Time for Impact podcast that we should look outside the charity and volunteering world for inspiration just as much as we hear from our peers. A perfect example came recently after hearing amazingly successful leader speak about the role Stoicism has played in his leadership journey.

It got me thinking about applying these tangential ideas—in this case from banking and major sporting event leadership—to a classic volunteering challenge: "The CEO won't fund us!"

A story I hear time and time again. The dedicated volunteer leader struggles with insufficient resources and influence, and the finger often points to the CEO or Executive Team. The complaint might be valid, but the resulting worry and resentment are un-Stoic.

A CEO's budget decision is arguably in the "Cannot Control" column. Dwelling on it only leads to frustration.

The truly powerful, Stoic question a volunteer leader must ask is: "What Am I Going to Do About It? What Can I Control?"

This shift turns an external obstacle into an internal opportunity. Since we cannot control the current funds, we must control the most powerful future lever: the narrative of our impact.

Instead of saying: "The CEO won't give us more funding." ➡️ The Stoic Strategy is: "I can control the clarity and quality of our impact report. I will use the resources I have to generate irresistible data for the next proposal."

Instead of saying: "Volunteering doesn't get the respect it deserves." ➡️ The Stoic Strategy is: "I can control the powerful stories and testimonials we capture. I will shape the perception of our value through compelling narrative."

Instead of saying: "They don't understand the value of our work." ➡️ The Stoic Strategy is: "I can control the quality of the small, high-impact projects we deliver now. I will use them as proof of concept."

A Stoic leader understands that their power is not derived from a budget line item already set, but from the integrity and wisdom of their strategic actions today.

Your duty is to do the best work possible with the hand you’ve been dealt and to rationally collect the evidence needed to change the game next time. Your virtue is in that strategic effort, which no one can take away from you.

Later this week Time for Impact will be releasing a Volunteering Impact Step by step Tool to help you do exactly that. Watch this space 👀 

#Stoicism #Leadership #VolunteerManagement #NonprofitLeadership #Strategy #TimeForImpact

I'm pleased to offer these insights without charge. However, as a consultant working within the charity sector, my ability to continue sharing expertise and intellectual property through consultancy and training is how I earn my living. If you find this content valuable and wish to support future ideas and inspiration, a small contribution of £4 via my Buy Me a Coffee account would be hugely appreciated. There's no pressure, but any generosity is gratefully received. You can contribute here https://buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi Thank You 🙏