Volunteering & Volunteer Students

Dear WW: I just started at a law firm where they require all the attorneys to take on a pro-bono client. I feel like I've got my hands full with my paying clients. I don't want to pick a fight with my new bosses, but I'm having trouble with this policy. IF IT'S MANDATORY, HOW CAN I BE VOLUNTEERING?Dear Mandatory,

First, for the benefit of readers who aren't lawyers, let me offer this little instructional quiz:

Pro-bono is:

• a. Bono's oldest son;
• b. The professional version of amateur bono;
• c. What a butcher gives his dog;
• d. The practice of providing expertise for free.

(The correct answer is "d.")

It's easy to see pro-bono work as an encumbrance-work you have to do when you could be billing clients. But the reality is, when it's carefully chosen, pro-bono work offers as much to the volunteer as it does to the "voluntee." It should be thought of as "strategic volunteering"-working in an area where you can both give and get.

Here's an example. Several years ago I ran a nonprofit organization. A savvy ad agency took us on as a pro-bono client-partially out of the goodness of their hearts, but mostly because our adventurous organization gave them a chance to show more creativity than their regular corporate clients would allow. Three months later we had a slick new promotional campaign-and the agency won a prestigious local advertising award. Their return on this "freebie" far surpassed any "lost" revenue.

Strategic volunteering isn't just for corporations; it works for individuals, too. It can boost your skills (and your sense of accomplishment) in work as well as in "real life." The following questions should help you develop your strategy.

Can you use this as a chance to strengthen your skills? You may be dynamite when it comes to litigation, but a dud at writing briefs. Pick your weakest area and find a client who needs that kind of help.

Can you use this as a chance to learn more about your clients? Whether you're a lawyer serving corporate clients or a salesman hawking copier machines, spending time with your clients is the best way to learn how to serve them. Pick a volunteer gig that puts you where you can learn the most.

What have you always wanted to do? It's fantasy time! What have you never done because you were too busy earning money? Here's your chance! Indulge.

Do you ever get bored or take your life for granted? We all tend to narrow our lives to the comfortable and familiar. Nothing wrong with that. But stretching outside that world can generate an exhilarating new perspective. Consider volunteering for a homeless shelter, or for a nonprofit in an ethnic community other than your own. You may never view your life the same way again.

Most workers have to beg their employers for time off to volunteer. Yours are doing you a favor! So go ahead; do the pro-bono. It's more fun than the macarena and it'll make Congressman Sonny proud.

Bob Rosner is a best-selling author, speaker and internationally syndicated columnist. Sherrie Campbell is a relationship and business professional, having applied her counseling background in a variety of challenging organizational settings. They'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic, especially if you have better ideas than they do. Also check out their complete column archive at workmash.org, "The Boss's Survival Guide" and "Gray Matters: The workplace survival guide." Send your questions or comments to bob@workmash.org.