How can you use a non-profit leadership skills assessment to improve your personal development?

1 What is a non-profit leadership skills assessment?

A non-profit leadership skills assessment is a tool that measures your strengths and weaknesses in various aspects of leading a non-profit organization. It can cover topics such as strategic planning, fundraising, communication, collaboration, ethics, diversity, innovation, and more. Depending on the type and format of the assessment, you may have to answer multiple-choice questions, rate yourself on a scale, or provide examples of your actions and behaviors. The assessment can be self-administered or facilitated by a coach, mentor, or peer.

2 Why should you take a non-profit leadership skills assessment?

Taking a non-profit leadership skills assessment can benefit you in several ways. First, it can help you identify your current level of proficiency and confidence in different skills and competencies. This can help you recognize your areas of excellence and areas of improvement. Second, it can help you set realistic and specific goals for your personal development. You can use the assessment results to prioritize your learning needs and create an action plan with measurable outcomes. Third, it can help you track your progress and evaluate your impact. You can use the assessment as a baseline and repeat it periodically to see how you have improved and what challenges you still face.

3 How can you find a non-profit leadership skills assessment?

In order to find non-profit leadership skills assessments, you can explore the online sphere for free or paid tools that suit your needs and preferences. Additionally, you can ask your network, colleagues, or mentors for recommendations or referrals. The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance's Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Credential is a comprehensive online assessment of 10 core competencies for non-profit leaders. The Bridgespan Group has their Nonprofit Leadership Development Toolkit, which provides a self-assessment tool and a 360-degree feedback tool for non-profit leaders and managers. Lastly, the Center for Creative Leadership's Leadership Gap Indicator measures your leadership skills and potential gaps in six domains: strategic, operational, personal, interpersonal, team, and organizational.

4 How can you prepare for a non-profit leadership skills assessment?

Prior to taking a non-profit leadership skills assessment, preparation is key to getting the most out of it. Review the purpose and objectives of the assessment and be aware of what skills and competencies it covers and what outcomes it expects. Additionally, reflect on your own experiences and achievements as a non-profit leader, being honest and realistic with yourself. Furthermore, seek feedback from others such as peers, supervisors, staff, or stakeholders for their input on your strengths and weaknesses. Finally, plan your time and space for taking the assessment in an environment that is comfortable and free of distractions. Follow the instructions and guidelines carefully.

5 How can you use the results of a non-profit leadership skills assessment?

After taking a non-profit leadership skills assessment, it's important to review and analyze the results carefully. Begin by celebrating your strengths and acknowledging any skills or competencies that are above average or exceptional. Then, recognize any weaknesses and accept those skills or competencies that are below average or need improvement. Set SMART goals based on your strengths and weaknesses, then select the resources and strategies that will help you achieve them. Create and follow a plan for your personal development, scheduling activities and monitoring progress. Finally, measure and assess the impact of your personal development, comparing before and after results to evaluate your impact. Celebrate your achievements and identify your next steps.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?