Moving Forward: Exploring New Dimensions in Leadership and Job Satisfaction (#31)
Marvin Webb MS, MBA, MFA
Founder & CEO | Fractional CFO & CHRO for Nonprofits | Revenue Generator & Expense Whisperer | DEI-Driven Finance & HR Expert | Job Portal Creator | Empowering Nonprofit Careers with Transparency & Values Alignment
Dear Friend,
Nonprofit work presents unique challenges and unparalleled opportunities for deep engagement and substantial personal growth. This thirty-first edition highlights that when asking a colleague for a recommendation, choose a colleague who genuinely supports you and knows your work well. Please provide them with the job description and your updated resume to give context. Communicate which skills or experiences you want to be highlighted, such as leadership or project management, and remind them of specific examples they’ve seen. This helps them write a personalized, relevant recommendation quickly. Avoid asking randomly; it can dilute the impact and backfire if the person isn't entirely supportive. Using critical thinking and emotional intelligence in selecting and guiding your recommender strengthens your application and demonstrates your professional approach.?
Last week’s thirtieth edition focused on Labor Day and the rise of the five-day workweek during the Industrial Revolution. In 1926, Henry Ford introduced a 40-hour week with higher wages, improving worker welfare and the economy. This led to the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act, standardizing the 40-hour week with overtime pay. Post-COVID, many companies adopted a 32-hour workweek without salary cuts, promoting work-life balance. Though legislation for a shorter week hasn't passed, the trend reflects growing flexibility in work practices.
Asking a Colleague for a Recommendation?
When seeking a recommendation from a colleague, it’s crucial to approach the request thoughtfully and strategically to ensure the recommendation is robust and aligned with the role you're applying for. Begin by selecting a colleague with firsthand experience with your work and demonstrated support for your career growth. This person should clearly understand your strengths and contributions within the organization. Reach out with a personalized and appreciative message explaining the role you're applying for and why you believe their recommendation would be valuable. Please provide them with a copy of the job description and your updated resume to offer context, making it easier for them to understand the specific skills and qualities you want to highlight. Doing this ensures they can craft a recommendation that speaks directly to the position's requirements, strengthening your application.?
Be explicit about the key strengths or experiences you would like them to emphasize, such as your leadership, project management, or problem-solving abilities. Remind them of specific instances where they witnessed you demonstrating these skills, which not only aids their memory but also helps tailor their recommendation to showcase your most relevant qualifications. This approach makes the process easier for your recommender, allowing them to write a detailed and personalized recommendation without unnecessary guesswork. It’s also essential to recognize the importance of choosing someone who genuinely believes in your capabilities. Simply asking a random person for a recommendation can dilute the impact and might even backfire if they are not entirely in your corner. You demonstrate critical thinking and emotional intelligence in this process by selecting the right person and guiding them on what to emphasize, which shows that you respect their time and value their input. This careful selection and guidance reflect well on you as a candidate and enhance the overall strength of your application.
I will always tell a colleague that I am not the best person to give them a solid reference or recommendation as I did not work with them, was not their supervisor, or they were not my supervisor.?
I do not remember when a colleague said they could not recommend me, as I’m more inclined to have a longstanding relationship that makes the task easy. People who are in your corner want you to succeed.?
This Round of Jobs
Opportunities for Analytical Minds
Dive into roles where your financial acumen can significantly contribute to nonprofit success and growth.
Opportunities for Relationship Builders
Discover positions emphasizing creating supportive work environments and fostering team success.
Opportunities for People, Places, and Things
This new section features roles in setting up spaces and technologies for team success.
领英推荐
Opportunities for Visionary Leaders
Step into executive roles designed for visionaries ready to make strategic decisions and elevate nonprofits to unprecedented success.
This newsletter is your gateway to exciting opportunities. It allows aspiring leaders to find fulfillment and spark substantial change. Beyond job listings, we offer a vision that matches your passion and talents or the perfect position for someone in your network.
We are committed to transparency and provide detailed salary information for all positions, highlighting our dedication to fairness and openness.
As you explore the diverse job landscape, let this newsletter guide you. Together, we can ignite a wave of positive change. Expect this empowering newsletter every Monday, crafted to inspire and navigate your journey forward.
Warmest regards,
Marvin
P.S. I'm here to support you if you need advice, have questions, or want to share your journey. Let's advance towards impactful leadership together.
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HR, People & Culture Professional | Innovative Visionary | CZT | Relational-Networker | Artist | K-Drama Addict | Mom | Gifted (I Get To) - Word for 2024 | MPH Tech Academy Member | Packers Fan (I cheer for laundry - JS)
6 个月I appreciate your advice on asking for recommendations and will apply it moving forward. I recently received one that went above my expectations, but after reading your newsletter, it could have went the other way.
Realtor Associate @ Next Trend Realty LLC | HAR REALTOR, IRS Tax Preparer
6 个月Good To Know.