Nonprofit Executive Directors need trusted, knowledgeable thought partners
One of a nonprofit board member’s most essential responsibilities is to ensure the Executive Director they hire is positioned for success. However, even the most dedicated and proactive board members often overlook a critical component of this support, an Executive Director’s need for thought partnership.
I was a nonprofit Executive Director for more than 40 years of my career. What I would identify as a turning point was gaining access to experienced thought partners – safe, knowledgeable sounding boards -- who helped me navigate some of the toughest issues I faced. These included merging two nonprofit alumni organizations, navigating severe budget cuts through staff reallocation, renaming and rebranding an organization, to name just a few.
In this post, I’ll share why it’s so important for board members to support an Executive Director’s pursuit of a thought partner, and why it’s critical that these thought partners are external, not part of the board or staff.
What is a thought partner?
This explanation from a fellow Forbes contributor sums it up well. She explains that “Thought partners are usually people who possess information, knowledge or a way of thinking that challenges and provokes divergent thinking and action for you…action that leads to value creation in your career or life.” Professional thought partners are often referred to as coaches, advisors or counselors, but the term I have adopted in my work with nonprofit executive leaders is “thought partner.”
Why do even the most talented, experienced Executive Directors benefit from thought partners?
Not only is an Executive Director the most senior professional for most nonprofits, she or he is often one of the few paid professionals within the organization. Due to budget constraints, other staff members often lack high-level expertise in marketing, fundraising and/or technology, making the Executive Director the de facto senior professional in many of these areas. As a result, Executive Directors spend a good amount of their time advising staff, especially rising directors, around nonprofit best practices and strategies for effectively managing their respective areas. Particularly because many of their organizational challenges likely emanate from the staff itself, it is less than ideal for an Executive Director to attempt to find sounding boards within their own team.
As a result, the Executive Director’s position can be a lonely one, with professionals feeling exposed and expected to have all the answers no matter what the problem. These professional leaders need a safe place to seek advice and counsel, and to noodle new ideas, without placing themselves in a vulnerable position with either their boards or staff.
Why aren’t board members ideal thought partners?
While board members are often leaders in their own professions, serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director can lead to role confusion and even a conflict of interest. Also, in most cases, board members are not experienced in nonprofit leadership, which differs in many ways from corporate leadership roles.
What can professional thought partnership help Executive Directors accomplish?
Executive Directors and nonprofit CEOs can benefit from establishing relationships with external professionals providing a neutral, experienced perspective that can be factored into decision making. Thought partners/advisors offer the following benefits:
Knowledge and Experience. An ideal advisor/thought partner has a deep knowledge of nonprofits, and specifically the role and responsibilities of an Executive Director. In many cases, they have “lived” the role. Based on their own experience, they can offer examples of how an Executive Director might handle certain situations and what the probable outcomes of each scenario would be. For instance, misalignment between an Executive Director and board president is a challenge many nonprofit executives face. As someone who may have experienced a similar situation, an external advisor can be a valuable partner in working through possible solutions.
Sounding Board for New Ideas. Advisors help Executive Directors work through new ideas and significant organizational changes without fear of criticism or retribution. For example, an idea that might challenge the traditional mindset of a program director could be vetted and developed, as well as evaluated for pros and cons, before being brought to the team for consideration. Free and open brainstorming often results in more innovative programs.
Safe Place to Discuss Sensitive Issues. Executive Directors are often placed in the position of dealing with highly sensitive issues, including disagreements among staff members. An objective, external advisor can help the leader talk through the issues and develop a plan of action that works for all parties involved.
Professional Development. An advisor can provide one-to-one professional development, enabling busy executive nonprofit leaders – who often don’t have time to attend conferences or seminars – to assess their strengths and weaknesses and make positive changes.
How can nonprofits afford thought partnership resources?
Thought leadership/advising services are available in many different formats and at many different price points, including one-on-one coaching on retainer or by the hour. Supporting a nonprofit Executive Director or CEO through thought partnership, coaching or advising is not a luxury item; it can bring invaluable benefits. I have helped nonprofit leaders deal with issues like building new staffing models, evaluating national expansion strategies and conducting an in-depth review of financial processes. These are projects that have enormous, long-term impacts on organizational growth and efficiency. Access to thought leadership resources can also enhance the longevity of Executive Directors who feel supported and experience the satisfaction of regular professional growth.
When executive leadership has the tools to be successful, everyone in your organization benefits.
Explore a thought partnership engagement with me by scheduling a complimentary 30-minute consultation.