Motorola is not just a major corporation. It is also known for its philanthropy and for its focus on helping its employees volunteer in their communities. Employees are able to take one day with pay each year to participate in the company’s Global Day of Service. Other major employers could learn a lot from Motorola.

Each year, Motorola carries on a tradition that began in 1992 and recognizes exceptional service among Motorola employees. They award outstanding employees with the Motorola CEO Award for Volunteerism. A past winner is Ron Walton and it is his definition of volunteerism for which this post is named.

Although the year of Ron’s award is not known, the essence of the following points are as true today as they were whenever he was recognized. Please allow me to share Ron’s list with you now:

  1. Character: to know what is right and what is wrong
  2. Coaching: the ability to teach and lead others
  3. Compromise: the art of negotiation without giving away what’s really important
  4. Concern: always caring about people
  5. Constructive: always emphasizing the positive
  6. Creative: the unique ability to get the most from the least
  7. Curiosity: the key to learning
  8. Commitment: the tenacious conviction to stick with the task at hand
  9. Courage: to take a stand and do what is right when the world is against you
  10. Common Sense: a firm grasp of the simple and ordinary

As people who support the work of non-profit organizations, either directly, indirectly, or as employees, these should be cardinal directions for all of us. Do these ring especially true with you?