IdealistNews: what's new in nonprofits

What's the ultimate test of success for an organization and its leader?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:10:45 -0700

submitted by lgdeaton
[link] [4 comments]

Trace on What's the ultimate test of success for an organization and its leader?

2009-11-21T22:00:31.485537-07:00-0700

I wonder how much a problem it is for nonprofits to find and maintain good leaders that actually teach others to lead. I know it is in my non-profit.

lgdeaton on What's the ultimate test of success for an organization and its leader?

2009-11-22T08:56:31.241857-07:00-0700

I actually think it's a fairly major problem for several reasons: (1) Nonprofits may be led by folks who are really passionate about the cause but who have not really focused on honing or developing their leadership skills, so they may not know HOW to foster personal growth and development in their teams. (2) Professional development resources (both time and money available for it) are usually pretty slim, so often programs get every last dime instead of staff development. (3) Nonprofits usually have very flat organizational structured, meaning there really isn't much of a chance to "move up" for many staff. I think that fear that folks will "move out" instead may keep leaders from really building their teams and instead keep people siloed.

Trace on What's the ultimate test of success for an organization and its leader?

2009-11-25T08:07:57.217171-07:00-0700

Interesting points. I also wonder how much of this is simply generational. The Boomers who run the nonprofits I am in, seem to be grasping on old ideals that no longer apply. Sometimes I feel that we are hostage to their nostalgia. I also agree with number 3, except that rather than flat, nonprofits seem to have a lot of flat with just a couple of postions that pay enough to live off of. The director or something who gets the highest share of the wages. I am thinking that these very few well-paid positions should have term limits of 3-5 years or so. That would motivate others to become better prepared and also prevent a situation where one or a small group can make a career of their non-profit.

lgdeaton on What's the ultimate test of success for an organization and its leader?

2009-11-27T11:47:09.703058-07:00-0700

Interesting thought re: term limits on paid staff positions. That would indeed create some change! I like it, although I'm already anxious about what that might look like since I've rarely seen a volunteer Board of Directors conduct a really solid executive search without lots of support. You've got me thinking for sure, though!