Learning as Leaders
How Leadership Changes How We Can and Should Learn
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” -William Shakespeare
Many of us have heard this quote, whether from our high school English literature teacher or on some cheesy motivational poster. However, it terms of nonprofit leaders, it could not be more true. Some of our leaders are seemingly born into their roles, whether through family or a natural air of leadership. Some leaders attain their positions by working their ways up through the organization, having learned what’s best for the organization by starting at the bottom. Others still are nearly forced into the role of an organizational leader, whether due to an unforeseen vacancy in the organization or other surprise circumstances. The last seems to be more and more common in the world of philanthropy.
However, no matter how you might come to be a leader, it is essential to understand that our learning process should change. We are no longer learning to solely understand our own position or reading about changes that only affect that position. As leaders, it is imperative to learn and understand about all pieces that will affect the organization, all jobs, and the nonprofit sector itself. Gone are the days where we could fly under the radar with the excuse of “It’s not my job.” As a leader, it is your job. It’s also your job to encourage collaboration and interdepartmental conversations because organizational silos are no joke. (I talk a bit more about those here.)
Another excuse that won’t work? That just because your leadership isn’t aware of something or doesn’t know how to do something means your organization doesn’t have to know or do anything with it. For example, maybe your organization has never done an annual campaign. Is your leadership familiar with retaining recurring donors? How does your organization recognize volunteers? Your nonprofit’s leaders need to not only be aware of philanthropic trends but engage in them in a way that best supports your mission. Any of these trends sound unfamiliar to you? Or perhaps you’re not quite as experienced in these practices as you would like. I encourage you to check out the Nonprofit Leadership Toolbox and try one out with your organization. The included readings are sure to spark some conversations whether around the water cooler or the boardroom table.
Above all, it is important that our leadership stays open to new ideas, entertains a conversation about them, and perhaps even tries to implement a few new strategies or projects. As a leader, change will ultimately come down to you- what you choose to keep, what you choose to alter. The way our parents and grandparents ran nonprofits is no longer relevant. It is up to the leaders of today and how (and what) they choose to learn that will lead our philanthropies into tomorrow.
