While serving in the United States Navy, there was a saying: “Never Again Volunteer Yourself (NAVY).” I quickly learned that this was not wise advice. In fact, it’s like George Constanza said; Do the Opposite. When you volunteer you decide what job you will do, why wait for someone to assign you one.
On the boat, after watch there were clean up assignments given out. I learned quickly to step up first and request the cleaning assignment I desired; weird who desires a cleaning assignment. However, it helped me avoid the messy nasty ones and it shined a good light on me. He always volunteers first. I learned that taking the lead, in the moment of choice, can be a rewarding things.
This advice can work well in some business environments. Those who take initiative set themselves apart. Volunteering to do the work takes the weight off the rest of the team. It shows that you are not afraid to take on more responsibility. Now I do want to be clear, volunteering doesn't mean you work for free all the time. Even when you volunteer in society, the reward of the work you do is internal, when you volunteer corporately - many times there is compensation for the value you bring.
Next time something comes up - Volunteer.
