Here's how I've seen it work. I had a client who was forming a new project team. It was critical to start it off on the right foot, and she wanted to have a volunteer project to cement the bonds among the team members -- but they didn't think they had the time. We helped them do both simultaneously and for better results.

We started by teaching the team about behavioral styles and how they impact individual and team relationships. We then used the volunteer experience as a learning laboratory to observe behavioral styles in action and discuss the opportunities and pitfalls confronting the team in light of its mix of styles. We then tapped into the feelings inspired by spending an afternoon serving adults with Alzheimer's to spark a deep discussion about values and purpose -- a launching pad for bringing the team together around a shared mission and vision.

In this instance, the volunteering became so much more than a fun afternoon (it was that, too). With the right formula, it provided the added bonus of helping a new team quickly move through the early stages of development into performance mode on a shortened timetable and with an added zeal that came from the service aspect of the experience.

The lesson for business owners and managers: be proactive to tap into the learning that is potentially in every volunteer experience. Make it pay for your company; otherwise, it is just a missed opportunity.

Embrace the Change
Rather than view volunteering as an intrusion on other, more productive activities, view it as a strategic resource -- something you can leverage to address your people-related challenges. If you are looking to create a great place to work for existing and potential employees, make volunteering a part of your culture. If you have workers who are grinding down, reinvigorate them with a service outing. If you have a team in trouble, jump-start them through a service project.