What an Executive Director at a Non-Profit Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Non-Profit Industry
Michael, an Executive Director at a non-profit, emphasizes the crucial, yet often overlooked, need for self-care in the demanding role. The organization "can operate without you for a little bit," but to maximize impact, taking breaks and respecting boundaries is essential, a lesson learned through experience that should be proactively shared with aspiring professionals.
Executive/Leadership, Stress Management, Self-Care, Work-Life Balance, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
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. Prioritize self-care to maintain effectiveness and avoid burnout.
2. Nonprofit executive directors are crucial to their organizations but must set boundaries and take time off to perform optimally.
3. The organization can function without the director for short periods, allowing for breaks that benefit both the leader and the organization in the long run.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I do wish someone would tell you to take care of yourself. Part of the nonprofit world is caring so much about the world that you're in. It's caring about the constituents, your board of directors, and your volunteers.
You can get swept up in caring for everyone and tend to forget yourself. It's really important when you enter this role, especially at an executive director level, to understand when you need to step back and take some rest.
A lot of the organization, like CEOs and VPs in the for-profit world, relies on you. It can operate without you for a little bit. But in order to provide the most impact, you need to be at the top of your game.
If that means you need a vacation or a day off, do it. The long run will thank you. Your community will thank you. Board of directors may or may not thank you, but once they start seeing impact from it, they will.
It's really important that you take time for yourself and respect your boundaries. No one's going to tell you that, but you need to set up the walls you need in order to be the most impactful person you can be.
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