Running a non-profit is not an easy task. There are a lot of facets to take care of and a lot of people to manage. To successfully run a non-profit, you need to have strong leadership at the helm. However, finding a leader can be difficult, as many different qualities make a great leader. You need someone with the passion for helping further your mission, the ability to inspire others, and the drive to get things done. But how do you find these people? Here are five tips to help you hire the best leaders for your non-profit.
Look for Passion
One of the most important qualities when looking for a leader is passion. A great leader needs to be passionate about the organization’s mission and be able to inspire others to work towards the same goal. Passion is what will help to drive a leader to achieve great things.
Not only does a leader need to be passionate about the mission, but they also need to be passionate about working with people. A leader needs to be able to build relationships and work collaboratively with others. If a potential leader doesn’t seem interested in working with people, they’re probably not going to be a good fit for your organization.
Vision is Key
A great leader needs to have a clear vision for the organization’s future and be able to articulate it to others. This vision will help to guide the leader and the organization towards its goals.
Andrea Jaeger of Little Star Foundation believes that a leader’s ability to inspire people with a shared vision is one of the most important qualities. People will follow someone who can show them where they’re going, especially when the path is clear.
The Drive to Get Things Done
In addition to passion and vision, a great leader must be driven to get things done. Leaders need to be able to take the initiative and see projects through to completion. They can’t be afraid of hard work and must be willing to put in the extra effort to get things done.
If a potential leader seems hesitant to take on new projects or doesn’t seem like they would be willing to put in the work required, they’re probably not going to be a good fit for your organization.
Excellent Communication Skills
Every organization thrives on effective communication. A great leader needs to have excellent communication skills to communicate with others effectively. They should be able to clearly articulate their vision and goals and inspire others to work towards them.
Leaders also need to listen to others and consider their input. If a potential leader seems like they’re not interested in hearing what others have to say, they’re probably not going to be a good fit for your organization.
A Track Record of Success
Finally, you should look for a leader with a success track record. This doesn’t necessarily mean they need to have experience leading a non-profit, but they should have some experience in leadership roles. Look for someone who has achieved great things in their previous roles and see if they have the potential to do the same for your organization.
A leader with a track record of success is likely to be more confident and capable than someone who doesn’t have any experience leading. This confidence and capability can be contagious and help inspire others to achieve great things.
These are just a few qualities you should look for in a leader for your non-profit. While finding someone with all these qualities can be difficult, it’s important to remember that no one is perfect. The most important thing is to find someone who is passionate about your mission and has the potential to inspire others to achieve great things.