In academia being asked your teaching philosophy is a fairly common question. Educators typically have their own opinions on how good learning and teaching happens. As a nonprofit leader, you may be asked about your leadership style or fundraising philosophy. What are your core beliefs and how do you approach your work? Could you easily describe your philosophy?
When I was in graduate school, I took a semester-long course on leadership styles. The course was 16 weeks long and we barely scratched the surface of what it means to be a leader. This course was intended to help each student reflect on their own leadership behaviors and identify both their current and aspirational styles of leadership. Some people were happy with where they were as leaders, others wanted to make changes in their approaches. The primary text for our class was Peter Northhouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice. If you haven’t engaged in the exercise to determine your leadership style, I’d encourage you to do so. It’s worth the effort.
Harvard professor Bill George is credited with being the “father” of authentic leadership. Guy Hughes from Penn State did a great job capturing George’s theory while providing added context that helps individuals identify authentic leadership traits. You can read Hughes’ work here. I think many of us called to nonprofit service would likely see some of ourselves in the authentic leadership style, I know I certainly do. My personal leadership approach is rooted in developing relationships with my team members. I believe our greatest point of connection is our shared commitment to mission-driven work. Authentic leaders have a strong sense of purpose. Dedicating the time to nurturing relationships with my team members is one aspect of leadership I focus on with intentionality. I value it and I strive to do it consistently.
What about your fundraising philosophy? This is an interesting question if you’ve never been asked it; particularly if your primary responsibility isn’t fundraising leadership. However, all senior nonprofit leaders should have a perspective. Take a minute to consider your response. I believe there should be alignment between your fundraising philosophy and your leadership style. At the very minimum, the two shouldn’t conflict with each other but can you articulate your approach?
Remember when you were back in school and you had an assignment to create an elevator speech? I loved this exercise. I was terrible at it. I thought I had to say everything all at once. Brevity is a skill and you can develop it with practice. Now, I love any exercise that challenges me to make the most impactful statement possible in the fewest amount of words. Sound familiar? It should if you write grants.
This week I’d like to offer you a professional development exercise that you can work on when you have down time. Take a few moments to reflect on your own philosophy and leadership style. How would you create your own elevator pitch to let people know exactly who you are? Maybe you work in fundraising, maybe you work in finance, or maybe you work in program delivery. It’s applicable regardless of your role. I’ll leave you with mine. I am an authentic leader who values relationships. By taking a donor-centered approach to fundraising, I help create meaningful connections rooted in shared passions. I inspire people to take action that drives fulfilling work and leads to mission fulfillment.
Your turn.
