Over the years in my career, something has become ever clearer over time. You get only if you give. Dr Misner of BNI calls it ‘Givers Gain’ meaning that if you give uncompromisingly, you will receive more. As a Facilities Manager, I have a full plate, but doesn’t every professional? Since i joined the International Facility Managers Association (IFMA) and truly got involved, joining a committee, becoming chairman of a committee, joining the Board, the Executive Board, my plate is still full, but it is more joyous, it is enjoyable to do everything I do, work included. Why? Because you receive help, guidance, mentorship from the network you create as a Giver, that energizes you, pushes you to do more, give more.
As the current Vice President of my local chapter of IFMA, and Vice President of IFMA’s Facility Management Consultant’s Council I have made lifelong connections that have resulted in mutual enhancement of careers, guidance, uplifting conversations. This activity lead me to become a member of the Ambassadors Group of the IFMA Foundation. That involvement lead to additional honors, privileges, and yes more work! But so rewarding that you want more. There are more things that have come due to my being involved, awards, being published, speaking engagements, judging awards nominations, collaborating on a summer camp course for engaging High Schoolers in FM as a career… but it is not about that.
I think it is because of these relationships, friendships, and yes the honors, that I wonder many times why people join associations if they are not going to get involved. You do not get if you do not give. You will have a small network if people sense that you are in it for you, not the greater good. I am not saying that being as involved as I am is for everyone, but you don’t know what it will do for you unless you start, how far you will go unless you dip your toe in the water. Attend all of the association meetings, Join a committee, maybe, just maybe you will feel it, and want to do more. I guarantee that if you do all you can, push yourself a little, you will feel better about yourself, your career, and you will gain friendships for life. This is what volunteering is all about.
Why pay dues to stay at home and not get involved? Get your moneys worth. Get your life’s worth. Get involved. A good friend of mine has this Give First focus, his example has spurred me on, I see in him the true volunteer spirit as a life choice. I seek to follow that mentorship, not for the accolades, but for the relationships, friendships. Bobby was just appointed to the Global Board of IFMA, and I couldn’t be prouder for him, it is well deserved, Givers do Gain, involvement begets rewards. NEVER have I seen him even think about sitting back and relaxing, he is always looking for ways to give. Step up, Associations need you, us if they are going to grow, succeed. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.
