Finding Clarity in Your Next Role

In a year that has brought challenges on a global scale, it shouldn’t be surprising that many in our field are soul searching.  This week alone, I have had conversations with five philanthropy leaders looking for their next role. Mandatory PTO, furloughs, and layoffs since the spring have been forcing some amazing fundraisers and leaders to re-think their careers. The chaotic circumstances of the pandemic are creating dynamics where many others are taking stock and re-evaluating as well. If you are thinking about your next role, here are some of the things I’ve been talking about to help clients and friends move forward in a way that serves them best.

How much time do you have?

The first thing I ask someone who is starting to think about a new professional role, is how much time do you have to figure this out. Often people give themselves either a real (based on finances) or arbitrary (I’d like to be out of here by our next board meeting in six months) timeframe. Although many organizations and companies are hiring, we are still seeing hiring freezes. Depending on what you are looking for, you need to plan that this process may take longer during this period than in other times. 

It is important to not let your next role be a “reaction” to the circumstances around the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of the intensity of everything going on in the world right now, many people are making decisions in response to this instead of looking out past it. As much as it sometimes feels that this is going to go on forever, this is a period of time that will evolve again. When possible, I encourage people to take their time to make sure they find an opportunity that truly works for them for the long-term.

What do you need?

Next, you want to ask yourself, what do you “need” in your next role. This is different for everyone, and it is an important question to answer and get really clear on before moving too far into your process. Here are some questions you may want to think about as you are working to create this list:

• What are the things I have to have in my next position no matter what/what are the deal breakers?
• Have my needs changed since I started my last position? If yes, in what way?
• Did my last role fulfill my needs? If not, what sticks out?

These are examples of needs I have heard from clients:

• Salary
• Benefits
• Geography
• Commute time/work from home (beyond the pandemic)
• Type of organization
• Travel/no travel
• Interesting work that utilizes their skill set
• Work-life balance
• A leadership role
• Leadership that values philanthropy (and them!)
• A culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion

Once you have determined your needs, you will want to tailor your search to meet them; there is rarely a benefit to entertaining any position that doesn’t fit your needs.

Establishing your personal wayfinder

In addition to understanding your needs, getting clear on your values is critical when contemplating big changes. Values are our fundamental beliefs that motivate our attitudes and actions; they help us decide what is important to us. If you know your values, then as you start to think about potential opportunities, you can use them as a guide to making the next decision. Coaches can help tease out values. There are also some simple tools out there, like Brene’ Brown’s values list (available at https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/ under her downloads). I encourage clients to narrow their values to 5-7.

Once you have your values list, then you can use it to weigh different opportunities and as a tool to point you in the right direction. You also may use it to think through interview questions that help you to better understand the culture of a potential new organization. 

Values can also help keep you on course. If something feels off, sometimes the best way to figure out why is to review to your values list and check-in. You may find that one of your values is in conflict with something you are doing. 

Finding your super-strengths

Assessments are tools I rely on to support people making career decisions. I use TTI Success Insights behavioral assessment (DISC), that looks at how you do what you do, and a motivations assessment (Driving Forces), that brings out why you do what you do. But there are a lot of assessments out there, some you can find for free and some you can purchase for a minimal fee through books (Strengths Finder etc). Assessments are a great way to get you thinking about what your strengths might be as well as areas for potential conflicts and challenges. 

If you take an assessment, you will want to look through the areas you rate highest to see what your super-strengths are according to the tool. If you agree with the assessment, this may help you think about how to communicate what you are exceptionally good at on your resume, in interviews, and on social media. You will also want to think about how you want these strengths to play out in your next role.

Assessments can uncover areas that challenge us. I find that when I dive into these with a client, we have some great conversations around areas of potential conflict and growth. I like the awareness that comes out of this; it can significantly impact our ability to get out of our own way. Especially in the stressful time we are in now, bringing awareness to how others perceive us under stress and developing tools to help us through this is important. Overall, assessments can help people create more clarity around what they do well – and where they might need support – as they are searching for their next opportunity to make sure they are being honest with themselves and finding the right fit.

Moving into action

It’s no surprise that philanthropy leaders are often great connectors, finding ways to network even during Covid. When looking for your next role, it may be your instinct to do that first. This is one time where it will benefit you more to pace a little slower while you think through the above areas. Once you’ve taken the time to become clear on what you need, what matters most to you, and what your super-strengths bring to an organization, it is time to move into action. 

I’ve had a few conversations lately where clients have felt frustrated at how slowly things are moving, or that someone didn’t call them back. Just like in fundraising, focusing on the things you can control and feeling good about the actions you take is critical. If you have figured out your direction and you do the right things, you will reach your goals. Taking time to be introspective right now, no matter what the circumstances, makes sense. It will help you evolve into the next phase and the next year stronger for it.   

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Shannon Tower is the president and founder of Tower Philanthropy, a coaching and consulting firm that partners with non-profit leaders to maximize philanthropic results. She has spent the past 20 years working in philanthropy as a leader, frontline fundraiser, volunteer, board member, consultant, and coach. She lives in Annapolis, MD with her husband and two children.