Volunteering at Company Events

When kids are running around the office or I'm talking to people that are directly benefited by my organization's work, there is a tremendous connection between the work I do on technology and the work the organization produces. I know if I am able to perform my duties properly the staff can do their part better and good comes of it in the end. Therefore I suggest volunteering at company events when possible. The volunteering should not be around technology because otherwise it's still work. This allows you to detach from the pocket universe of IT and helps align the mind to the company's goals from a different perspective, which inevitably helps focus the direction of technology. Participating in events also helps IT people understand what the rest of the company's staff does, which sheds insight on other people's priorities and hopefully generates empathy.

It's good to volunteer and connect with the company. I advise it for all non-profit IT people and managers should encourage their IT staff to do so. At the very least you get a sense that there is more than a paycheck to work towards.