How to Be a Better Nonprofit Boss
1. Communicate Better
From small nonprofits to multinational, communication is key. If you’re nothing more than a face on a newsletter or a name on an email, what motivation will your employees have to meet your goals? The importance of employee communications is often overlooked. You should communicate with them frequently, and actually speak with them face-to-face. Your staff needs to know they are valued, and communicating in person with them is the best way to show your appreciation for their hard work.
2. Be An Example
Similarly, you can’t expect your employees to be motivated around your cause if you do not show that passion. Good role models are infectious, think about a time you have been managed and thought "I want to work hard because that person is" this is a major factor.
3. Empower Them
Give your employees more of a say in how they do their job. The beauty of many nonprofits is that they are small and much more nimble to change. Make sure you ask your staff what they think you could be doing better, could more funds be targeting something, or should there be more focus on the social media strategy?
Incorporate employee reviews and general chats to find out more, perhaps say, "I'm not sure how I feel about ... how do you feel?" Use their perspective and try and work with it, nothing empowers a nonprofit employee like knowing they are having an impact on the cause they chose to join.
4. Offer Opportunities For Advancement
Your employees are more motivated when they know they’re working towards something. If they think there’s no opportunity for advancement, they don’t have much to work for. Motivate your employees by offering training that gives them the skills they need to climb their career ladder. Not only will this allow you to build a stronger team, but it also creates positive workplace culture and will have knock on impacts.
Take this quote below as an important reminder of why training your staff is important.
