Category: Leadership
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Messy Is Actually The Best Place To Start
Recently, I had the pleasure of consulting with a seasoned nonprofit Executive Director who was grappling with a particularly messy challenge. During our 3-hour session, I took notes and sketched diagrams as she talked, helping her untangle the complexities in her mind. By the end, we had identified key areas for organizational strengthening, clarified her…
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When Feedback Doesn’t Work
“Lorraine” sought help from me, specifically, for giving feedback. She has a staff member who is competent at her job. But whenever Lorraine asks her to change course or take on something new, the staff member reacts negatively. Changing behavior can be challenging and uncomfortable, especially if you feel you’ve been doing your best without…
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“UnCharitable” — Rethinking what we believe about nonprofits
There is an urgent need to rethink how we support nonprofits, and to question outdated beliefs that limit their potential. It’s important to invest in nonprofit infrastructure and talent, similar to for-profit companies, to solve complex societal issues. Here’s how to understand how changing our approach can enhance the impact of nonprofits.
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Reciprocity: The Heart of Coaching
Coaching relationships are sacred spaces. In these relationships, the person being coached trusts the coach to: See them in moments of great vulnerability without judgment Hold their thoughts, hopes, and struggles as they process and plan Provide accurate, honest, and firm feedback when warranted Respect that the choices they make and consequences they’re willing to…
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NCD Mantras Help Support Healthy Political Discussions
No matter where you sit politically, it can be a challenge to have open, heartfelt discussions while still maintaining connection and trust. Navigating Challenging Dialogue® (NCD) is a proven tool for having tough conversations while maintaining connection. Connection is essential for our existence and sustainability as a species. See here how the NCD Mantras serve as…
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Breaking Free from Limiting Leadership Patterns
Leadership development is a primary concern for the sustainability and growth of all organizations, but especially in the nonprofit sector. Most, not all, nonprofit leaders are “home grown” meaning you have grown up in the organization or field you now work in. In the process of promotion, what is frequently missing is support for developing…
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Don’t Leave Your Teammates Hanging
After I’d worked with a leadership team for several hours, a participant very courageously spoke up. “I’m not convinced that when we are working together, we are all rowing in the same direction.” If I let the that statement drop, with no acknowledgment or further engagement from their peers, the lesson of the day would…
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Generating Funds While Furthering Your Mission
Social enterprise is a sustainable financial growth model that promotes philanthropy through profit generation. Possibly the biggest challenge to launching this type of model is that it requires is a shift in nonprofit thinking. The first step is to begin with …
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Finding Joy in Our Work
Often the work we do is hard, sometimes even heartbreaking. The ability to solve complex social issues and to make change, in both public and private organizations, can take time and patience. Sometimes that leads to feeling overwhelmed, which can lead to focusing only on the hard parts, and having less space for joy. Here…
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How to Integrate into an Existing Team
Being invited into an existing team is an acknowledgement of your skills and potential. It is one step forward as you develop your leadership presence. But not all teams know how to effectively integrate someone new. Here are some steps you can take to facilitate your own smooth entry to an existing team.