Doing Good is Never a Bad Thing

 

I am an REI customer. I enjoy spending time in the outdoors and enjoy the gear REI sells to make spending time outdoors fun and more comfortable. When I go into the local store, if I have a gear question, I'll more than likely be helped by someone who has used the gear I'm asking about and can give me real-world guidance on whether or not any particular piece of equipment will fit my needs.

That's not the only reason I'm a loyal customer, willing to go out of my way to shop at the local REI.

REI gives back. They do work every year to maintain the trails I hike on and participate in a myriad of other community service initiatives—too many to list here. They take social responsibility seriously, which I appreciate. I don't think I'm alone.

The company I work for, AtTask, will spend the day tomorrow as an organization working with one of our local charities providing service. Instead of spending the day behind the computer, we'll spend the day trying to do some good in the world (outside of helping organizations be more productive, of course). The only folks in the office tomorrow will likely be those who offer technical and other support to our customers. I'm looking forward to spending the day tomorrow doing good with my collleagues. I don't think I'm alone there either.

I believe people fundamentally want to do good. At least that's my experience; and the consensus when I talk about this with my coworkers. I'm happy that our leadership sees the value in giving back—and making us a part of it.

Because of tomorrow's service activity, the blog will be on hiatus for the day. My colleagues and I will be busy doing other things. We'll be back on Friday.

I'm convinced we all have a fundamental desire to be a part of things that are bigger than ourselves. Activities like this give teams the opportunity to do good, give back and share our corporate good fortune with others.

I'll see you again on Friday.