Most Important Skills For an Executive Director at a Nonprofit
Michael, an Executive Director at a non-profit, emphasizes communication as the "number one skill," highlighting the need to connect with diverse stakeholders, from ardent supporters to skeptics. The ability to prioritize tasks efficiently while maximizing impact, "seen what is most essential," is equally crucial for success in this leadership role.
Communication, Prioritization, Leadership, Nonprofit Management, Strategic Planning
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Michael Bleggi
Executive Director
Non-Profit
Duke University, 2017
UCLA Anderson MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Strategic Management and Executive
Video Highlights
1. Excellent communication skills are essential, encompassing both written and verbal communication, and the ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences.
2. Prioritization is key to success; you must efficiently manage numerous tasks and resources while focusing on the most impactful aspects of your work.
3. Understanding and articulating your organization's mission is critical. Prioritizing tasks that directly support that mission is essential for maximizing impact.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
The number one skill, and I will stand by this forever, is the ability to communicate. You'll talk to people who agree with your nonprofit and are thrilled that what you're doing is changing the world. You'll also talk to people who don't think what you're doing is important, who believe you're wasting money and time.
The ability to not only understand both sides of that equation but to communicate effectively is crucial. You need to ensure people understand, "Hey, what we're doing is important, and here's why." Essential communication includes public forums, written forms, and nonverbal cues.
Being able to hold yourself with poise in certain situations is going to be critical. The second part is prioritization, and I'd actually put that right next to communication. Prioritizing is key.
You're going to encounter many rabbit holes to fall down. Your job as executive director is to see what's most essential to running your nonprofit efficiently while maximizing impact. Being able to talk about that mission and prioritize the key elements that make it happen are the keys to making your job as successful as possible.
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