grabbed the reins and the organization grew in scope and impact in very short order.
How did this hire get made?
Attributes may in fact be the true superpowers of leadership.
Someone on that search committee encouraged the group to consider the “chop‐less” candidate through a different lens.
Through the lens of key leadership attributes. And in my opinion, attributes may in fact be the true superpowers of leadership. (I know it might be confusing with all these numbers floating around, four superheroes, five superpowers, but math never was my strong suit.)
And yes, I have a list.
Conviction: As each of you knows, nonprofit leadership is no walk in the park. Hey, why should it be? You are moving mountains. But without conviction in the real promise of the organization, no one will follow your lead. When I coach clients who have been leaders for a long period of time, I often ask “Are you as passionate about the mission of this organization as you were when you arrived?” When I hear a pause of any sort, we talk about it. A lot.
Authenticity: Real leadership demands it. So too does fundraising. Because it is the foundational attribute of trust.
Ever been to a fundraiser when the head of the school, or board chair is talking to you but not looking at you and not listening to you? Rather, she is, but to spot the next donor on her list — you know, the one who gives more than you do. Icky right? Because there is nothing genuine about your interaction. I'm guessing the leader didn't ask you any questions about you and how you were doing.
Not authentic.
What does authenticity look like?
Working a room? Come on. I like to say that everyone is really interesting for at least 3–5 minutes. So, engage authentically, learn something, and maybe teach something.
Authenticity looks like admitting failure. Everyone makes mistakes, but a person who lives in the world authentically shares her mistakes, or values the role mistakes can make in becoming a more effective and productive organization.
Learn to Tell a Good Story: I drive staff and board clients mad talking about this. A great leader is a great storyteller. In the next chapter, I talk about this at great length, but it is absolutely critical and a key component of my coaching work with clients around commencement addresses and gala remarks. What kind of story? The kind of story that makes folks say “Tell me more.” or “Let me get out my checkbook.” or “Now THAT is a story I should write about!” or “Will you come talk to my congressperson?”
Have Fun; Be Funny: One of the reasons I started my blog (https://blog.joangarry.com) was that nearly every nonprofit resource was so damned serious. I get it. Saving the world is serious business. But that kind of intensity is unsustainable. You have to have a release valve. I find that behaving like an eight‐year‐old is often a very good strategy.
FIGURE 1.3 Aasun's other board.
So, we were in the middle of a board meeting and a quite serious discussion about the need for greater investment in technology. Our IT Director, Aasun Eble, who was indeed quite able, was giving a serious and dry presentation. Seemingly out of nowhere, the following slide appeared.
Aasun decided we should all meet his three poodles. The room became weak with laughter, but that is not the end of the story.
From that day forward, you did not give a board presentation at a GLAAD board meeting without a picture of your pets appearing somewhere on a slide. This gimmick brought my senior staff to life for our board in a way that resonated for them. It was no longer the Director of IT or the CFO. It was Kerry, the dad to two adorable kittens, Marilyn and Monroe. And it was unexpected and funny. It brought us together in a different sort of way.
Be Bold: I believe that with authenticity and conviction comes a sense of fearlessness. Now I'm not suggesting that you suggest a bold new strategy or initiative in your first week (that would be stupid, not bold). I'm suggesting that your board, your staff, and your constituents or clients deserve a leader who will make the tough calls, come up with a new idea, and try it. I'm not talking about arrogance here, nor am I talking about a leader who behaves like a lone cowboy. But remember: didn't you step into a leadership role to change the status quo?
Be Joyful: Related to but different from humor. This should not be that hard to feel or to project.
I have a beef with Executive Directors who don't see their work as a privilege. To get paid to do something that matters? To make a living making some part of the world a better place? I'm not naive; the work can be hard, painful, and sometimes feel like too steep a climb. But make no mistake. It's a joy and a privilege. The most effective nonprofit leaders see it this way, and their attitudes are palpable.
Did you just read the list and remember wistfully that Dino's Pizzeria is looking for drivers?
Don't give up on me so easily.
Remember:
Nobody has all these attributes from the start.
These attributes can be developed, and you can present them in your own way.
These attributes do not replace skills; I am just arguing that attributes are often ignored as you consider your own leadership bag of tricks. Working on cultivating these attributes can have as much if not more of a payoff than a class on how to read a balance sheet or a certificate in nonprofit fundraising.
THE REAL POWER OF LEADERSHIP
I saved the most important lesson for last. Understanding how power works as a nonprofit leader is critical. Realizing that developing your core attributes in addition to skills can take your leadership game from good to great.
But never forget where the real power comes from.
It comes from the two to three sentences that you and your board slaved over and nearly wordsmithed to a pulp: Your mission. What is it you do, and what is it in the service of?
Your mission statement is your North Star. The big thing that matters most. Your role as a leader is to keep the organization focused on your mission, even when you are deciding about the centerpieces for the gala.
Great nonprofit leaders have certain skills. Work on honing core attributes and develop not only a real understanding of the nature of nonprofit power but an appreciation for it as well — all in the service of your mission — your North Star.
Nonprofit leadership is neither simple nor easy. It's not easy being green. Like I said, you are in the mountain moving business — it couldn't possibly be easy. But with your mission as your beacon, it is worth every single minute.
