Being a leader can be a rewarding experience but it also means facing a host of anticipated and unexpected challenges. Learning how to respond to these challenges will help you grow and mature as a leader. As you learn to deal with difficult situations, you will hone your leadership skills. Don’t be discouraged — becoming an effective leader takes time and patience, which is even more true for Executive Directors with limited resources.
Below are six qualities that you’ll want to hone if you’re aiming to succeed in the non-profit and association world as a stellar Executive Director:
Authenticity. People respond well to others who don’t try to hide who they are. Executive Directors are no different. You could have lunch with an Executive Director and be at ease. Exceptional Executive Directors encourage their nonprofit staff to be themselves.
Self-awareness. An effective Executive Director is aware of their actions and reflects on decisions without any bias. They invest in themselves and put in a lot of effort to use their strengths to the max.
Relentless Learner. For most Executive Directors, the learning never stops. They attend events, independently go online and research topics, and are driven to understand how things are done.
Productivity Driver. Executive Directors examine trends and developments among the staff to influence and create an environment that works towards the nonprofit’s mission.
Inspires Others. If an Executive Director can’t inspire others, then volunteer development, fundraising, the Board of Directors, and nonprofit staff won’t be inspired to serve the mission either. Everything starts at the top.
Community Presence. An effective director builds and gains their personal and organizational presence on the local level. They’re the face of the nonprofit, and managing that brand directly lends to the success of the organization.
Leads the vision with purpose. Above all, the executive director is able to communicate a compelling and inspired purpose. When they talk, it’s always about beyond today. They talk about possibilities in an optimistic way with real measurables to ensure the vision is achieved. They lead, inspire and motivate by simply sharing their vision.
Let us know in the comment sections below how you’re building your professional skills to become the best Executive Director you can be.
MVP
Megan Van Petten
CEO & President
Van Petten Group, Inc.