3 [Three] Reasons I Embraced Small Greatness

Like most young professionals, I distinctly remember longing for a day to make my mark on this world. And in large part, I was also very driven to obtain the golden corner office. An office of success, of pride, of large scale notoriety. But, as I have aged, 'ancient' by my kids' standards, I have changed my tune.

I work now mostly with Christian nonprofits, both the local church and para-church. But they fall into the same treadmill mindset of their marketplace cousins - "Bigger is Better". No, it is not. Yes, 'bigness' gets you noticed and invited, and allows for plenty of cash to flow through the coffers, but 'better'? No.

There, of course, is nothing wrong with being big. I often marvel, appreciate, and applaud how leaders have nurtured their organization through growth. But for those who do not attain such stature, embrace being small. The overwhelming majority of us are smaller organizations. Use this reality to your advantage in fulfilling your mission.

I love being small. I have learned that greatness, professional fulfillment, and success is not reserved for big organizations.

Here are three reasons I have embraced an attitude of #SmallGreatness:

Organizational Flexibility - Early in my career I served in billion-dollar, multi-national companies. And in all honesty, I loved it. But, I soon found out that there was little room for creativity. If I had an idea, if only for my local office, it was sent up the food chain for approval. Yes, those of you nodding disappointingly know, it was then knocked back down with a nice 'thank you' note from corporate why the idea was not accepted. There might have been a good reason why, but I will never know. Those conversations never took place. When I made the move to small, I didn't have these organizational hindrances. It wasn't that all of my ideas came to fruition, but I had the ability to actually have the conversation and understand the motivations and reasonings why they weren't adopted. That made all the difference. I wasn't just a cog, I was part of the team. I had input. I was able to learn and develop, not just by doing, but by learning the 'why' I was doing.

Human Touchpoints - Be honest, how many really enjoy the endless loops of automation on the phone when you have a simple question? Smaller organizations have a real advantage in this area. Being smaller means, for the most part, there will be a human answering the telephone. I realize everyone wants to project size and scalability, but a living person on the other end of the phone makes your organization "human". The same thing happens when someone comes through your door in need. Whether you are a small business, a local charity, or a church, people need people interaction. We are built on the need for personal relationships. It creates the psychological and emotional safety nets necessary for healthy, long-term relationship. If I get a phone call from a church or nonprofit needing to talk I can often take the time to do so without feeling rushed to be off to the next "thing". Being smaller allows me the freedom to engage in a meaningful, personal way that is deeply satisfying and fulfilling.

Being Small Allows for Targeted Wins - In a smaller organization, success is not necessarily measured primarily on the speed or size of revenue. In great joy, I can get off the treadmill of having to go for the next big catch, and focus on whom I am serving. That doesn't mean I don't want to grow, it means I am not captive to a predetermined scale of growth that is deemed 'acceptable success'. I have learned to be content in serving my membership base right where they are. And I love it. I get to see leaders of smaller organizations get there time and energy back. I get to see the weight of organizational weariness lift as they regain focus on their mission. These are targeted wins. Happy leaders, after all, lead happy organizations. And that is a win-win.

When I can encourage leaders of smaller organizations by affirming that being small is not a bad thing, but a grand thing, I am fulfilled. At the Christian Ministry Alliance, we work with smaller organizations every day. They are lead by genuine, passionate leaders who feel called to their mission. It is inspiring and energizing.

Don't get caught on the treadmill of perceived success. Embrace your #SmallGreatness. Do what you do well. You will never be happier.