Here's how you can use confidence to inspire and motivate others as a nonprofit leader.

One thing I have learned from my own experience is to always keep in mind that you are the example that others are learning from and watching! Lead by example, someone is always learning and watching you as a leader and they may not be taking actual written notes however they are always taking mental notes more often than you realize!

I've been doing this for 33 years. I have worked with so many brilliant people over the years. I have seen real change - good change in that time. I have also seen ever more lives blighted by bad policies. There is still a lifetime's work to do. People with power talk about 'system change' but it's people like you that enable change. You change lives one by one until the whole system eventually bends to accommodate the new reality. It's not quick and it does get messy, but keep doing the thing you do because you can see the difference you make...and we can see the difference you make, too.

Truly knowing your vision at the deepest level is essential to communicating it with supporters, volunteers, donors, and more. The purpose and vision of your nonprofit should be the soul of the organization and if you can't clearly articulate it to someone unfamiliar with your goals, then you aren't poised for success. It isn't enough to just know the vision, though, you have to be actively engaged in living the vision through every decision your organization makes. It has to be clear every step of the way - walk the walk, as the saying goes.

One thing that works for me in this arena is to take a step backward and view the problem from the outside. When I am too close to the problem, or too emotionally invested in a dilemma, it is difficult to find a positive solution. There will be challenges in every nonprofit, but if we don't approach them with diligence, dedication, respect, and an outside perspective, we can find ourselves mired in the setbacks rather than finding proactive solutions. The difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset is potentially catastrophic. When we lead with a growth mindset and positive intentions, we find the path forward.

We often lift up that our children do as we do, not as we say. This truth pertains to all humans, not just our youngest ones. This is the very meaning of “leading by example.” It’s also quite a poignant illustration of how “1 picture is worth 1,000 words.” I can host an exhaustive leadership training on how to remain calm, maintain self-care, and act only with wisdom and patience in the midst of a prolonged crisis - complete with breakout sessions and role-playing examples. However nothing will be as impactful as my team/staff witnessing me exhibit these very qualities in living color - including even the places where I may falter. Such a witness is an indelible lesson that lasts a lifetime with multiple applications.

Being in a leadership role for a Nonprofit organization will automatically come with challenges. What sets you apart as a leader is that ability to show up and shine in the face of adversity. To be a light when things are the darkest. As a young organization, we see all of the challenges, plus a few that established organizations don't have to deal with. Working to show the value of your new programs and the estimated impact they will have as you are building them so you can receive grants and funding is just one of those challenges. Being able to pivot, think way outside the box creatively, be passionately aggressive, and patiently intentional will help break through the challenges that cause so many young organizations to fail.

Rather than using my own confidence (which like any person comes and goes with the circumstances), I suggest focusing on building the confidence of your team members as individuals and as a group. Confidence comes from fully understanding and owning one's assets and areas for growth and finding them to be accepted in the culture of the organization. As a leader, you can foster that approach and lead with it. Building the feedback loops and a strong system for debriefing projects allows team members and teams to fully accept and trust in their performance while continually striving to improve.

Pouring into each other as an organization is not just a thing we talk about as a core belief but something we advocate other organizations to embrace as well. When we upskill, reskill, offer mentoring, guidance and allow people to fail forward in psychologically safe spaces, they can grow and bloom as they are. It is essential to everything we do. We demonstrate to other organizations what this looks like and how it can impact every facet of the organization, including the bottom line. Then we show leaders that 30k foot view and the rippling effect it has on their teams, their families, and the surrounding communities. It doesn't just strengthen teams and bottom lines it fosters actionable change that creates a rippling effect.

By offering training or mentoring programs, you demonstrate a strong belief in their abilities and a deep appreciation for their contributions! This powerful investment can boost their self-esteem and motivation, paving the way for a highly skilled and incredibly engaged workforce. When individuals are nurtured in their development, they naturally seize opportunities and strive for nothing less than excellence!

This is the singular opción for ethics leaders: Ensuring trust within a nonprofit organization is essential for building confidence and dependability among team members. Prioritizing transparency, open communication, and respect for diverse perspectives is key to fostering a culture of trust and empowerment within the organization. When team members feel valued and trusted, they are more likely to proactively engage and perform effectively in their respective roles

Trust is the foundation of any successful organization. Without it, you cannot move forward with any certainty. Communication and transparency are the most important parts of this trust. Each board member has equal value and stake in the success of the organization and they need to know that the team trusts their opinions, expertise, and ideas.

Although trust certainly is the foundation for any organization, as many have indicated, it is especially relevant in the Nonprofit space. As a young organization, we communicate our mission, vision, and purpose clearly, leading with transparency and authenticity so that we others can see exactly what we are, who we serve, and how we operate. We have maintained since 2022, a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar, which we hold in high regard. But people need more than that. Making sure all of our interactions with our partners, donors, volunteers, committee members, board, and the public at large is based on the trust we have built and continue to build is imperative to our continued growth.

Clear is kind. See below for an example of how I communicate with teams. Unclear communication: "Everyone needs to step up their efforts for our new fundraising strategy. Let's all try harder and make it happen." Clear communication: "Team, in the first 6-months of 2025, I would like us to increase our base of recurring donors by 20 percent. In order to do so, we need to convert x-number of previous/new donors to monthly donors. I would like for you to take the next week to consider tactics for how we can accomplish this as a group and bring your ideas to our staff meeting on [insert date]. Tactics may include marketing strategies, donor outreach, virtual or IRL events. I look forward to hearing your ideas at our next meeting!"

Something I've learned is that it is essential to have a clear vision and structure from the very beginning. Know your group's purpose and each member's roles and responsibilities to begin with. Then, as you share your ideas with each other, be sure that your expectations are clear. Set guidelines and community standards for how you'll talk with and to each other. Remember that hierarchy doesn't always mean that the person on top knows all of the answers, and shift your perspective toward collaboration rather than commands. But most important of all, choose your words wisely and clearly. Know the full extent of your ideas before you start the meeting, so you can clearly express yourself without confusion.

As a nonprofit CEO, recognizing and honoring accomplishments, both big and small, is critical to fostering a confident team. Recognizing and appreciating their efforts not only lifts their spirits but also motivates them to continue their hard work. Whether it's a shout-out during a meeting or a formal ceremony, authenticity is key to ensuring that these acknowledgments resonate with individual and team triumphs.

When people volunteer for a nonprofit board, or agree to come onto the team as a paid member, they want to know that their contributions are important to the organization. Make the time to tell people how valuable they are to you - and honor that by respecting their personal time and needs as well. While it is easy to get deep into a project that you believe in, not everyone has the capacity to give everything they have every day. Make note of the time that folks contribute, celebrate the successes with events, fundraising, activities, etc., and genuinely show interest and support for their part in making your organization successful. Be sure that it is genuine praise, but don't hold back when someone does something exceptional.

1. Staying positive and resilient: Maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on the organization's mission to inspire and motivate your team. 2. Seeking feedback and improvement: Regularly seek feedback from your team members and use it to improve your leadership style and approach. 3. Setting realistic goals and expectations: Set achievable goals and expectations for your team, and provide the necessary resources and support to help them succeed. 4. Showing appreciation and gratitude: Express your appreciation and gratitude to your team members for their hard work. 5. Leading with empathy and compassion: Demonstrate empathy and compassion towards your team members, understanding their challenges and concerns.

When it comes to the role of a CEO in non-profits, three crucial attitudes can truly make a difference. . Firstly, empathy towards the community served is key to understanding their needs. . Secondly, adaptability allows for navigating the ever-changing landscape of non-profit work. . Lastly, transparency fosters trust among stakeholders and donors. These attitudes are not just important - they are essential for the success and impact of a non-profit organization.