Many nonprofit organizations have limited financial resources and people, unlike for-profits. Because of this, they often have to do more with less. At the same time, nonprofit leaders should also execute stronger management styles to promote the retention of valuable employees, build a positive working environment, and help develop the talents of their teams. All these are essential for running a successful nonprofit organization.
Besides talented leaders, they also need high-performing teams that prioritize meaningful work and are driven by the nonprofit’s mission. While there are no shortcuts in building these kinds of teams, there are several strategies and practices your nonprofit can do. Find out what they are below.
Provide a common purpose
One of the best ways to motivate a team is to give them a common, meaningful purpose they can work on. Experts claim that teams who don’t have this are likely to fail. To achieve something, you need to give them directions. Your people need to have one goal they can work on both independently and in unison. Serving a goal should be done in the preplanning and not after the teams are created. It should be organization-oriented, clear, and well-communicated.
Create an amazing culture
The next important thing is the culture of your nonprofit organization. To build a high-performing team, you need to establish the right culture for your mission or goals. Ideally, you need one that promotes shared values that can bind the team members together. The more they have in common, the fewer the conflicts will be. Apart from that, it should highlight your people’s complementary abilities, as well as mutual respect and trust for each other.
Teach them how to embrace teamwork while practicing adaptability, helping them accept changes in the right manner. Lastly, the culture of your nonprofit must also focus on general growth and development. Instead of calling out your members for any weakness, it is best to address them as points of improvement.
Focus on employment development
Speaking of development, it’s best to recommended to focus on this area. The more effort and time you put into building a great team, the more rewards you can get. To create a high-performing team, you need to help with their development. You can invest in training and programs for employee engagement and development. Doing so can teach your people the latest skills and knowledge they need while maintaining a good sense of teamwork.
Furthermore, it’s also critical that you provide them with opportunities for growth. For instance, you can let different members take the lead in your nonprofit events or workshops. And of course, don’t forget to show your members that you appreciate their participation. It will keep them motivated and satisfied in getting involved in your nonprofit.
Promote open communication
Another important aspect of building high-performing teams is creating an environment of open communication. Your nonprofit’s members and employees should be confident and inspired to always voice out their thoughts and opinions during meetings. As a leader or manager, you should foster a healthy working environment that encourages new ideas and innovation from your team members. Aside from that, nonprofit leaders need to understand the working style of their members on an individual level. You can use different team-building indicators to better evaluate your members’ thinking styles, personalities, and behavior. Leading by example is also an effective way to encourage open communication within your organization. Stay in contact with everyone daily and listen to their feedback.
Work on authentic leadership
Authentic leadership is also an important aspect even for nonprofits, specifically for developing high-performing teams. This management style is focused on transparency, self-awareness, and genuineness. To be an authentic leader, you must also learn how to stay true to your decisions when there are objections while remaining open for discussion. You need to show your teams the behavior, actions, and values you expect from them. You must also treat them how to embrace their unique experiences and personalities. Other areas you need to work on include understanding personal values, staying grounded, developing a sense of purpose, and showing compassion to your team.
Developing high-performing teams can be a challenge for any nonprofit organization, but it certainly is a worthy investment. Provide a meaningful mission and create a culture that people want to get involved in. Make your nonprofit stand out even from for-profit companies. By cultivating and retaining these great talents in your organization, you can create a greater social impact for the local and global communities.
