The Power of Service: Volunteerism as a Leadership Strategy
- Cristina Wilson
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
This week, we celebrated National Volunteer Week (April 21–27)—a time to recognize the people and the heart behind the work that often goes unnoticed. At the same time, we’re also recognizing Stress Awareness Month, which reminds us of the importance of caring for our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
And that intersection—service and self-awareness—is where true leadership is built.
As a military leader, nonprofit founder, and coach, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about being in service. It’s not about giving orders—it’s about giving time, compassion, and attention to the people around us.
Whether it’s mentoring a young person, volunteering for a cause close to your heart, or just being fully present with someone who’s struggling, acts of service shift our mindset from pressure to purpose. They remind us why we lead in the first place.
The Hidden Power of Service in High-Stress Times
Stress is a constant for many high-performing professionals. But here’s what I’ve seen in my own journey—when we serve others, we actually refill our own tank.
Volunteering helps you:
Redirect your energy from anxiety to impact.
Reconnect with community, which reduces isolation and burnout.
Reinforce your values, keeping your leadership aligned with your purpose.
Reignite your sense of gratitude, which naturally eases stress and tension.
Leadership can feel heavy, especially when the weight of expectations, deadlines, and emotional labor build up. But when you lead from a place of service, you become lighter—because you’re connected to something bigger than yourself.
🎁 A Gift for You: Self-Reflection & Awareness Journal
To help you reflect on this message, I’ve created a free journal prompt PDF titled: 📝 Self-Reflection & Awareness
This journal is a simple but meaningful resource to help you explore how service, purpose, and stress awareness show up in your own life. Whether you're a team leader, business owner, or community advocate, these prompts will help you pause, process, and realign.
Use it this week as a leadership check-in. A few moments of reflection can reset your entire mindset.
Recommended Reading
If you’re looking for deeper inspiration this week, here are two books that have influenced not just my leadership—but my life:
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek In the military, we live this daily—leaders eat last. This book explains why putting others first creates an environment of trust, loyalty, and psychological safety. It’s not just a leadership book—it’s a blueprint for serving with integrity. https://amzn.to/4lOotXd
Intentional Living: Choosing a Life That Matters by John C. Maxwell In 2016, I had the privilege of volunteering in Transformation Paraguay as one of John Maxwell’s certified coaches. This book was a cornerstone of that experience. It challenges you to live with purpose and to serve intentionally—every day. https://amzn.to/44dhWyW
Final Thought
We often think of service as something we give away—but in reality, it’s something that gives back to us tenfold. It fuels resilience. It builds influence. It creates legacy.
So this week, I encourage you to ask yourself: Where can I give of my time, heart, or skills—and grow in the process?
💬 I’d love to hear how service has shaped your leadership. Drop a comment below or tag someone who leads through giving.
Because at the end of the day, true leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you lift.
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