So I shoveled snow for the first time in my life today. I know some of you who grew up in the midwest and northeast are perhaps a bit angry at me, but it’s the truth. I grew up in California and now live in Arizona. While I’ve been to the snow, I’ve never had to shovel it.
Today I did.
As you’ve probably seen from my status updates on facebook, I’m spending 10 days volunteering at the Sundance Film Festival. Today, my duties included clearing some walkways near my assigned theatre.
I really had fun.
Yes, I know those of you that grew up shoveling snow in the winter may disagree and I might join you, except that today had a purpose.
I knew I need to clear that snow, so that tomorrow when my theatre starts screening films, the filmmakers, cast, crew, members of the press, and the AUDIENCE can safety enter and exit the theatre. Yes, it’s not the glamorous task of the festival, but it is quite important.
Sundance made this obvious. In almost all of my communication with the organization they highlight the importance of volunteering and how each task contributes. It makes each task important.
We need to be sure that we do this in our organizations. Often, we focus on WHAT people need to do and HOW they need to do it, but the WHY is the most important. Give people a sense of purpose, and they’ll always go above and beyond.
I’m loving Sundance so far. It snowed 18 inches last night. I worked up quite a sweat shoveling. I wouldn’t have it any other way.