Nonprofits need leaders not managers, and there is a difference
Amy Stephan
Every nonprofit has a manager but does your organization have a leader? Contrary to what many believe, they aren’t the same thing. To manage someone is very different from leading. Leadership is a skill and a talent and one not nearly enough people take the time to learn. Instead we settle for managers who direct and command rather than teach and guide, leaving our organizations with staff who can’t think on their feet or resolve problems on their own.
A lack of leadership in nonprofit organizations is a key factor of underperformance and failure. It creates a weak staff, poor donor development, and an environment based on the ideas and processes of just one person – the manager. In an article published in the Wall Street Journal discussing management versus leadership, Alan Murray points out many differences between the two, including the fact that “managers maintain and leaders develop.” This is significant because it’s the difference between status quo and growth.
Organizations wanting to raise more money, have more successful events, and see growth year over year need to take note of what to look for when hiring a leader.
A leader…
- Has the ability to check their egos at the door and be a team player
- Teaches people by example
- Empowers employees to think on their own
- Offers insight and advice while allowing people to create their own unique path to success
- Provides the tools and canvas to be successful
- Allows others to take the credit
- Makes you want to exceed goals and be the best you can be without having to use pressure tactics and panic as a motivator
- Focuses on big picture goals instead of micromanaging day to day tasks
I see far too many managers at the helm of nonprofit organizations. They can stifle creativity, require a one size fits all mantra to development, and squash the morale of employees. The key to success starts with leadership and so should your organization.
Is your organization in need of staff development and training? Are you looking for ways to boost morale, get more productivity from staff and develop leaders? Email amyestephan@hotmail.com and find out how I can help your organization meet its goals.
2 Responses to “Nonprofits need leaders not managers, and there is a difference”
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The late Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper famously said you that you manage things but you lead people. I tend to agree with her wonderful definition.
I have been interviewing people for most of my adult life — first as a crime writer and investigative reporter for several Texas newspapers, and for the past 19 years as an executive recruiter identifying C-suite executives for hospitals and other provider organizations.
I have seen great leaders take good organizations to new heights, and I have seen bad leaders destroy companies and the confidence, trust and hope of their employees.
Great leaders understand the importance of trust and hope and they nurture these qualities with respect and care.
I believe that a great leader is a work of art. A bad leader is a tragedy.
John, that was wonderfully said! As someone with 19 years of experience in executive recruiting, I am sure you have some great examples of how leadership can make or break an organization. I would love to hear some of them to be able to pass along in my work!
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!