Question: In your opinion, what do non-profit leaders need most today?
Answer: No-nonsense economies require no-nonsense leaders. Based on what we are hearing from other recruiters, search committees and those actively leading philanthropic organizations, three necessary qualities keep coming to the fore for today’s successful leaders.
First, today’s leader must be skilled in Change Management. In our rapidly shifting world, many positions are being filled by social media outreach activities in addition to traditional recruiting. Many sought-after jobs are overseas. Multi-lingual professionals are in demand as are those who are culturally competent and able to work with professionals from very different social, language, religious, ethnic and orientation groups. The leader who can keep up with change, manage it well and keep the mission alive amidst the many changes is bound to succeed.
Stemming directly out of this culture of change is a requirement of today’s leader to be skilled in the area of Diversity/Inclusivity Management. The professional world has become simultaneously more diverse and more global. Leaders who encourage, embrace and facilitate an inclusive workplace are most likely to succeed. Those caught in the models and/or thinking of the past are quickly becoming obsolete. It is not longer an option to remain trapped in antiquated ways of thinking and being. Instead, such thinking is simply a liability.
Finally, and on a very practical matter, today’s leader must have excellent Budget Management and Fundraising Skills. Non-profits and not-for-profits frequently operate on budgets that do not allow for financial mistakes, misallocation or grandiose plans. The leaders who will get ahead are those who understand how and when to generate resources, are skilled at building meaningful funding relationships and are highly adept at managing both funding and programs. It is also not optional to come to a leadership role without having solid fundraising credentials. Particularly when resources seem to be scarce, those who know how create the wherewithal for good programs to succeed will get the kudos.
Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.
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