During my journey working in the nonprofit sector, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some truly brilliant leaders. None of the ideas here are solely my own; they are a tapestry of wisdom “stolen” from those who have inspired me—and who likely borrowed them from others before.
This guide represents the collective insights I’ve gathered along the way, lessons that have shaped my approach to leadership and that I believe can benefit anyone striving to make a difference. In the spirit of shared growth and continuous learning, I offer these leadership principles for nonprofit leaders to you, hoping they will inspire and empower you as they have me.
Leadership Principle 1
Favor Follows Hustle: The Power of Proactive Effort
- There’s a timeless proverb that says, “Favor follows hustle.” In the nonprofit sector, opportunities don’t always come knocking; sometimes, you have to build the door. By putting in the diligent work and going the extra mile, you open pathways to resources, partnerships, and impacts that might have seemed out of reach.
- Make everything you touch better. Whether it’s a project, a meeting, or a simple conversation, aim to leave a positive mark. This mindset not only elevates the quality of your work but also inspires those around you to strive for excellence.
Leadership Principle 2
Vision & Planning: Living a Season Ahead
- Effective leaders anticipate the future. Live a season ahead by foreseeing challenges and opportunities before they arise. This forward-thinking approach allows you to prepare and adapt, ensuring your organization remains resilient amidst uncertainties.
- Stockpile to prepare for the next season. Just as farmers store harvests for the winter, nonprofit leaders should build reserves—be it finances, talent, or goodwill—to sustain the organization through lean times.
- But in planning ahead, don’t lose sight of the present. Know what season you are in. Understanding your current context enables you to make informed decisions that align with both immediate needs and long-term goals.
- Fail to plan, plan to fail. Leaders have a plan. A well-crafted strategy is your roadmap to success. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it needs to provide direction and flexibility to adapt as circumstances change.
Leadership Principle 3
Personal Leadership and Influence: Reflecting Excellence
- Your organization often mirrors your actions and attitudes. Think, “If our entire organization was just like me, would it be better?” Recognize that people become who we are; our organization is a reflection of us. Embody the values and work ethic you wish to see in your team.
- If you can be a builder of people, your capacity is limitless. Invest in developing your team’s skills and confidence. By empowering others, you multiply your organization’s ability to make an impact.
- Spend your life making people believe they are great. Encouragement is a powerful tool. When people feel valued and capable, they contribute more meaningfully and passionately.
- Remember, where you sit is what you see. Be aware of your perspective and seek to understand others. Diverse viewpoints can reveal blind spots and open up new avenues for growth.
Leadership Principle 4
Communication: The Art of Conveying and Withholding
- In leadership, communication is key—but it’s not just about speaking; it’s about discernment. Can’t teach the ‘why’ on the fly; trust me now, ask me later. Sometimes, immediate action is necessary, and explanations can follow. Build trust so your team knows that your decisions, even if not immediately understood, are made with their best interests in mind.
- Be careful what you say, how you say it, and who you say it to. Words carry weight, and as a leader, your words can inspire or discourage. Speak thoughtfully and intentionally.
- Everything said has to be true, but not everything true has to be said. Transparency is vital, but so is discretion. Share information that is necessary and beneficial, and hold back when it may cause unnecessary harm or confusion.
- To foster communication within your organization, think about what your actions communicate as well. You can delegate tasks to create followers; but you can delegate authority to create leaders. Trust your team with responsibility and the autonomy to make decisions. This not only develops their leadership skills but also increases the organization’s capacity.
Leadership Principle 5
Emotional Intelligence and Resilience: Leading with Strength and Stability
- Leadership often involves bearing burdens that others do not see. Leaders absorb pain for people. By shouldering challenges, you protect and support your team, allowing them to focus on their work without undue stress.
- Don’t communicate your emotions. While authenticity is important, venting frustrations can undermine your team’s confidence. Process your emotions privately or with a trusted confidant, and present a calm, collected demeanor to your organization.
- Consistency creates capacity. Steadfastness in your actions and decisions builds trust and reliability. Your team can operate more effectively when they know what to expect from their leader.
Leadership Principle 6
Purpose & Motivation: Fighting for the Right Cause
- Your role today doesn’t limit your potential for tomorrow. Your potential tomorrow is not determined by your position today. Stay committed to growth and learning, and encourage the same in others.
- A warrior without a cause to fight for will find the wrong thing to fight for. Ensure that your organization has a clear, compelling mission. When everyone is aligned with a meaningful purpose, energy and efforts are channeled productively.
Leadership Principle 7
Joy in the Journey: Embracing the Process
- Leadership is demanding, but it doesn’t have to be joyless. Make everywhere we go a party. Cultivate a positive and uplifting environment. Celebrate successes, big and small, and foster camaraderie among your team.
- Consider this: What if the work is the reward? What if the prize is in the process? What if you can be grateful in the grind? Shifting your perspective to find fulfillment in the day-to-day efforts can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Remember, leadership is a privilege. It’s a challenge and a responsibility—not for the faint of heart, but for those who are called to it. That calling is important because it has positioned you to help others. Let’s continue to learn from one another, to “make everything we touch better,” and to find fulfillment not just in the destination but in every step along the way. Hopefully, these leadership principles for nonprofit leaders help, and together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and visions into realities, making a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
