Nonprofit chief executives are vital to an organization’s success, and there are several key leadership traits and skills that often make a difference in this role.
Leadership Traits
Mission-driven:
A deep commitment to the organization’s mission is essential. This passion guides decisions and inspires staff, board members, and stakeholders.
Visionary:
A leader who can envision the future sets ambitious goals and motivates others to achieve them.
Integrity:
Upholding ethical standards builds trust with stakeholders.
Emotional Intelligence:
High EQ fosters effective relationships, empathy, and understanding.
Decision-Making Skills:
Sound decision-making practices are crucial for making informed choices.
Collaboration:
Building partnerships with other organizations, stakeholders, and the community enhances impact.
Team Building:
Empowering and supporting staff creates a cohesive, motivated, and innovative team.
Change Management:
Embracing change and adapting to new circumstances is vital.
Risk-Taking:
Strategic risks can lead to innovation and growth.
Stress Management:
Resilience and stress tolerance help navigate challenges while knowing when to take a breather.
Persuasiveness:
The ability to influence others is key to garnering support, resources, and visibility for the organization.
Functional Capabilities
Board Management:
Collaborating with the board involves leveraging their skills, expertise, and connections to align with the organization’s strategic objectives.
Financial Fluency:
Navigating budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring fiscal health is crucial, even if you have a CFO.
Management Skills (including HR):
Leading and managing human resources and day-to-day operations keeps the organization running smoothly.
Fundraising:
Cultivating donor relationships, securing grants, and diversifying revenue streams are essential to support the mission.
Communications:
As the public face of the organization, clear and compelling communication conveys the mission, values, and impact to stakeholders and the community.
Strategic Thinking:
A strategic plan aligns the organization’s objectives with its mission and adapts to changing circumstances, bringing the board and staff together.
Marketing Sensibility:
Promoting the organization and engaging the community effectively is crucial, whether you have a marketing team or not.
Industry-Specific Knowledge:
While not essential, having a baseline knowledge of the mission area (e.g., arts, mental health, education) can be helpful. If not, work with your board and staff to develop it.
This list is a great starting point as you consider what’s needed in your organization’s next chief executive. And for those currently in leadership roles, continuing to hone these skills will benefit you now and in future roles.
If you are currently in nonprofit management and thinking about taking the next step toward building your skills, learn more about our Nonprofit Leadership Advancement Program, which starts in January each year.