5 Tips for Becoming a Better Nonprofit Leader

​Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, or you’re in a leadership role of a different kind of organization, there’s a lot resting on your shoulders. People are looking to you to set an example and guide them towards achieving the organization’s goals, so if you feel overwhelmed, that’s OK. Take a deep breath and read these tips to learn how to be a better nonprofit leader.

​Get the Right People on Your Team to Be a Better Nonprofit Leader

​In order to be an effective nonprofit leader, you have to be able to trust your team, and that starts with making sure you have the right team. Not only does this mean they need to have the right qualifications for their job, but it also means they need to share the ideals of your nonprofit organization. Do they believe in the organization’s mission?

​Keep in mind that skills can always be acquired, but passion is harder to teach. If someone doesn’t have the necessary skill level for a particular position, but they’re eager to help, bring them on board and either find someone who can teach them the skills they need to do the job or teach them yourself.

​Get to Know Your Team to Be a Better Nonprofit Leader

Getting to know your team is the best way to build a rapport with them so you can trust them with just about anything - including doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. 

Knowing your team on a personal level will also enable you to put them in positions you might not have otherwise put them in. For example, if you have a graphic designer on your team who also has a history working in IT, you’ll know you can call them the next time a volunteer has trouble logging onto a computer or your printer goes on the fritz.
​
Keep in mind that this goes both ways. You need to get to know your team, but you also need to let them get to know you because that’s the best way to get them to trust you enough to rely on you and to come to you whenever there’s an issue that needs your attention.

​Take Care of Yourself to Be a Better Nonprofit Leader

​There are never enough hours in the day for a nonprofit leader, and while it might be tempting to put self-care at the bottom of your to-do list, that’s never a good idea. Because your leadership position requires you to set an example for others and guide them along the path to achieving the organization’s goals, making sure you are operating at your highest level should be a top priority.

While things like getting enough sleep and taking breaks are often treated as a luxury, they’re really a necessity. The longer you work, the less productive you become, and sleep deprivation has been proven to reduce decision making abilities. So, if you want to be the best nonprofit leader you can be, make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating right, and taking regular breaks. Believe me when I say it will make a difference for the better and your team will notice.

​Make a To-Do List and Keep It Updated to Be a Better Nonprofit Leader

Because you have so much on your plate as a nonprofit leader, it can be easy to forget things you said you were going to do (especially if you’re sleep deprived because you’re neglecting self-care). I always recommend my clients maintain a to-do list and keep it updated to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Since we’ve all had days that end without completing our to-do list, I recommend making separate lists: the things that have to get done today, the things that have to get done this week, and the things that have to get done this month. By updating your to-do list at the end of each day, you’ll be able to sleep better and hit the ground running the next day because your mind won’t be busy trying to remember everything that still needs to get done.

​Build and Maintain Relationships in Your Role as a Nonprofit Leader

I’ve always been a strong advocate for building relationships to grow your business and that goes doubly if you’re working for a nonprofit, and even more so if you’re working as a nonprofit leader. Because nonprofits exist to support the community, you need to build relationships with the community so you know exactly what’s needed and how you can go about providing it. 

Get to know your local elected officials so you don’t have any problems the next time you need a permit for your next fundraising event. Get to know your local business owners who might also be sponsors/donors/volunteers, or might know other people who would like to sponsor/donate/volunteer for your next fundraising event. While your nonprofit exists to support the community, don’t forget the community can also support you in your efforts. It all comes back to relationships.

​Get Help as a Nonprofit Leader from a Strategy Rockstar

​In addition to getting support from your local community, most executives also find it beneficial to get support from a business coach. As someone who has decades of experience helping nonprofits increase their efficiency and their fundraising, both from the inside and as a consultant, I am ideally suited to support you in your role as a nonprofit leader. Just schedule your FREE consultation to get started.