By using Leadership Coaching to Assist Managing Small Nonprofit Staffing, your organization can review several key things about your staff.
Doing this should reinforce already good practices and provide some space to think about how staffing might be strengthened and improved.
This is Practice 33 of 80
One special staffing division is the on-site team, a mix of leadership and support personnel who need to work together year round.
The Board is aware of any ongoing conflicts and general lack of team cohesiveness. Long-term staff who know your organization well usually have a good perception of how well the on-site team interacts.
Care is taken to match new people to the existing team and regular training and support is given to the on-site team.
Why This Practice is Important to Me as a Leadership Coach
A harmonious team always translates into more effective work and a more effective ministry. A team "in trouble" usually means something needs to be addressed by whoever is in charge.
My experience in coaching is that "people stuff" is the hardest part of a leader's responsibility. My clients, usually Executive Directors, need to step in either by being directive to whoever is managing the team, or directly intervening themselves.
Remember this is a small nonprofit. Relationships are crucial, and a leader can wear a lot of hats. But problem areas need to be addressed, regardless of how you feel about doing it.
That's the whole point of providing this self-paced, self-driven leadership coaching to assist managing small nonprofit staffing.
The Key Concept, Attitude or Action That Drives This Practice
FAMILIARITY
That doesn't always happen overnight and it is always improved by open and honest communication.
An Expansive Thought
'Together' is a powerful working word for our vocabulary.
An Action Point
Address any personal 'stuff' that distracts and discourages. Make relationships right, starting today.
This is Practice 34 of 80
Staff line of authority and accountabilities are clearly written. People need to know who they are accountable to, whether in the overall organization or in any small team or group that has been put together for a specific project.
Put it in writing. If you often form up teams, develop a standard, written approach that will make things easier. Be crystal clear, so there is no ambiguity for anyone.
Why This Practice is Important to Me as a Coach
Being responsible to the wrong person or no one at all makes ineffective work more likely.
I've said it so many times, "Clarity rules!" People need to know. Up, down, and across the line of responsibilities, clarity is required so there is no doubt about who does what. In some small nonprofits, for instance that deal children, it actually may be a risk issue.
The Key Concept, Attitude or Action That Drives This Practice
AUTHORITY
Being accountable to wise and good authority creates space to accomplish our best.
An Expansive Thought
What is clearly written can be clearly conveyed. Who reports to who is an essential requirement for success.
An Action Point
If there is confusion or problems on the team, first check how the line of authority is working.
This is Key Practice 35 of 80
The person coaching observes and listens carefully to each person on staff. You listen for what individuals feel they could use to take the next step in their development. You challenge them to take those intentional steps to develop both personally and in the work they are doing.
Many don’t grow much over time in a conscious way because they aren’t intentional about it. Be the catalyst for change among your staff. Coach them to be their very best and reach for their God-given potential.
Why This Practice is Important to Me as a Professional Coach
Investing in the life of a committed, effective worker has always proven to benefit the work.
I see firsthand, every single working day, the benefit of coaching in assisting leaders to do better, achieve more and really thrive. It works at every level of an organization.
The Key Concept, Attitude or Action That Drives This Practice
COACHING
Coaching is tailored to the individual. One size fits all generally doesn't work well.
An Expansive Thought
Investing in a 'thing' sometimes grows and brings limited satisfaction. Investing in a person can go far beyond your greatest expectation.
An Action Point
Incorporate the coach-approach to staff development and see what will happen.
This is Key Practice 36 of 80
Everyone has a respect for each other’s duties within the team. No position is above another. It may appear that way on the organizational chart, but that only shows function.
Every person plays an important role and needs to have fostered a respect for the role that others play, regardless of what they are doing or how much of a certain skill it requires.
Each person does his or her part. Where it is reasonable, staff are willing to step in and give each other a hand. Generosity attracts generosity. And that makes for a great work environment.
Why This Practice is Important to Me as a Christian Leadership Coach
No job is more important than another. Especially in Christian work there is no place for grandstanding. We are one body, and we each have a role to play in serving together. Fostering that is paramount to coaching, and to the smooth running of a small tight knit group of workers.
The Key Concept, Attitude or Action That Drives This Practice
ENVIRONMENT
An environment of respect and co-operation among staff will be felt throughout the program and organization.
An Expansive Thought
Hearing, "Can I give you a hand?" when you're hot and tired is like a cup of fresh water to the parched.
An Action Point
What can you eliminate that says someone's task is less important than another's?
This is the end of Leadership Coaching to Assist Managing Small Nonprofit Staffing. You can access the last four staffing practices here.
As you work through your review of Leadership Coaching to Assist Managing Small Nonprofit Staffing, what have you noticed that may be immediately actionable?
What will you initiate in order to realize these improvements in your organization?
Be intentional. Do it.
Contact me here Privacy Policy
© G.E.Wood and Associates. All Rights Reserved in all media.
G.E. Wood and Associates is an international coaching firm registered in Ontario, Canada
142 Pratt Crescent, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada, P1P 1P5