Social committees organize holiday gatherings and team building activities in workplaces around the world. One of the ways that I developed awesome human skills early in my career was by joining the social committee in pretty much every organization where I worked. My Vancity colleague Mandeep (who is an OG on the Vancity HR #soCREW and a wonderful writer) is also building a strong career because, first, she’s awesome and, second, she’s making the most of her work on the #soCREW. Here are Mandeep and my five career building lessons from the social committee.
Grow your network
Whether you’re new to an organization, new to a team, an introvert who struggles to meet new people, and/or someone who doesn’t feel great about making small talk in a person’s cubicle, joining the social committee is a great way to build relationships at work. Here’s Mandeep’s take on how the #soCREW is helping her grow her network within and beyond Human Resources:
I was new to the floor when I joined the #soCREW and by being a part of this committee, colleagues “noticed” me more. I am also quite shy/introverted at work therefore it was a great way to build my profile authentically. It has allowed me to work with colleagues I typically wouldn’t otherwise as my day-to-day work does not overlap with them. [Finally], it’s increased my exposure and knowledge of the business, other lines of work and community. I have started to learn which department to ask for certain resources and what others across the org/dep do.
Build human skills
The Royal Bank of Canada recently released a report called “Humans Wanted” that focused on how youth might prepare for the disruption of work by technology and automation. As it turns out, cultivating human skills like talking, writing, organizing, facilitating, leading, influencing, and being emotionally intelligent are necessary to thrive in the future of work (and the present, too). According to HBR’s Adam J. Gustein and John Sviolka, cultivating human skills like the ones listed above might very well inoculate you against career and economic disruption. According to Mandeep,
I’m learning to be myself more at work. Sometimes I get so caught up in my role/administrative tasks that I start to take a very serious approach to being at work. Being part of fun and creative work (such as #soCREW work) allows my personality to shine through my work. I’m also learning that skills that I’m weaker on are typically just skills that I don’t have as much confidence with…I am working on public speaking – something I don’t get as much exposure to as a part of my daily work duties.
Mandeep can highlight her strengths, too, as she’s a gifted writer and handles much of the #soCREW’s communications.
Showcase innovation
Speaking of skills, creativity continues to be one of the top skills demanded by most industries around the world. “Look, in these times of technological disruption, mass migration, globalized economics, and a challenging mismatch of skills in my workforce what I really need are people who think inside the box,” said no CEO ever. Companies need problem-solvers as well as problem-finders. According to Rock Star Organizational Psychologist Adam Grant, “When issues are communicated properly, it creates an environment where people feel safe to bring you bad news early, giving you precious lead time to avert a crisis.” According to my colleague Mandeep,
If you’re unhappy with certain events or wish your work did this or that, it’s your chance to be part of the dialogue and make it happen. If you keep wondering why someone won’t plan or organize a certain type of event – remember that you are someone.
We all have creativity within us and collaborating with the social committee represents a truly fantastic medium for bringing your ideas to life in service of your organization’s purpose. And in service of fun.
Be a glue guy/gal
Companies behave more like communities or organisms than machines. They aren’t particularly logical and, despite very clear hierarchy and procedures, culture (how things really get done) typically represents what the community really stands for. Being an agent of culture as a member of the social committee gives you the opportunity to create experiences that managers might pay for, but that employees own (or at least share) it. Speaking of “glue”, when employees have a friend at work they are more likely to stay and more likely to be engaged. How’s that for the power of social influence?
#soCREW has consisted of people across the department with all different titles (director, managers, consultants coordinators etc). This allows people from different bands to get together and work on a project/event collaboratively with little to no regard for differences in titles.
Impress decision makers
One of the reasons that I love being a member of social committees – and generally why I love organizing parties – is that it connects you with so many different people. As a member of any social committee there will invariably come a time when you can pitch an idea to a senior leader (because of budgeting or their role in the experience). Showcasing your talents to someone who can change your career is a happy outcome of leading social activities in your organization. Mandeep has some great perspective on how to be more visible while authentically building your career:
If people aren’t aware of you, you may miss out on opportunities to improve your skills or have your skills/strengths recognized. You can’t always rely on your manager or your day-to-day work to increase your visibility for you. Many people (including myself) may feel uncomfortable promoting/endorsing themselves, this is almost a natural way of showing your ability to project plan, organize events, communicate, and work collaboratively with others on high-visibility projects. This is especially helpful if key people are part of the committee as they get the ability to work with you and know your work ethic/expertise.
Humans are naturally social creatures, so cultivating skills that enhance your ability to make good things happen through relationships, emotional intelligence and kick-ass organizing makes sense. So, have you joined your team’s social committee yet?