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Category: Career advice

I’d Love Your Input!

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I’m currently enrolled in Nonprofit Human Resources Management through the Masters in Nonprofit Administration program at University of San Francisco. For my class project, I want to evaluate the role of stress in the lives of nonprofit employees. What a shocker, right?? Basically what this blog is about!! Anyway, I’ve created a short survey on the topic and if you work for a nonprofit organization, I would love your input! I’m hoping for responses by next Friday, June 22.

You can access the survey by clicking here.

Please pass along the link to colleagues or any other friends you know working in the nonprofit sector! Thank you!!

-N.C.

Working with Intention

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One undeniable truth about the nonprofit sector: all of us have more work to do than is ever possible to do in a 40 hour work week. There are always more donations to get, more updates to the website, and more people to serve. Things are always changing in the nonprofit sector and we do our best to adapt, keeping ahead of the trends and being flexible.

With mountains of work, it’s important that the work we do be intentional. For nonprofit employees, it’s not a matter of finding work to do, it’s a matter of determining what is highest priority.

Here’s a few reasons why working with intention is the best thing for a nonprofit employee to do.

  • It helps your organization work strategically: Developing a plan and sticking to it helps you to see the forest for the trees. Think about what the organization needs, to the most basic level. The organization needs donors, constituents, volunteers, etc. Then think about how you will achieve those big goals. That’s where your list should come from, and that’s where priorities will fall into place.
  • It makes you feel in control: Prioritizing workload and being intentional about the tasks you do makes you feel like you’re not just checking off your to do list, you’re working on purpose. It allows you to understand what’s important for the agency and put the rest of those tasks on the back burner, making you feel not so overwhelmed that you’re just spinning your wheels. Trust me, you’ll feel amazing when working with intention.
  • You get more done: This is good not just for you but for the agency as well. When working with intention, you feel as though you’re moving forward in important ways. This helps build momentum to keep focusing on the important things, and other tasks will then fall into place. When you work more efficiently and effectively, more gets done for the organization.

I know it can be difficult to set aside some time to do big picture planning, but trust me when I say it’s worth it! When you work on purpose, it’s better for everyone. It’s important too to keep reviewing the big plan to ensure priorities haven’t shifted. When you keep on top of things, everyone will be happy.

-N.C.

A Millennial Approach to People Skills in the Workplace

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USA Today did a great piece on the types of people skills leaders need in order to be successful (read the piece here). The article has some good, easy to implement tips on some small improvements to make on your people skills. The tips include making the employee feel more at ease, devoting all attention to them, and being empathetic. Yes, yes, and yes – couldn’t agree more.

All the tips listed are things that should be done with millennials. But the difference is that there is an additional goal. Millennials need to feel empowered to take what you’re teaching them and run. They need to feel like their voice is heard and you respect their perspective. Once you’ve demonstrated this, you’re golden, and a millennial will follow you anywhere you want to go.

Of all the tips, be fully present was probably my personal favorite. When I’m having a conversation with someone, I turn to them, look them in the eye, and show through my body language that I’m paying attention. I don’t understand people who can have conversations through cubicles without looking at each other! Even if I’m right next to someone, I always need eye contact.

The article specifically calls out young people as being underdeveloped in their face-to-face communications. Unfortunately, with the prevalence of texting and online communication, we’re pushing ourselves to always be multi-tasking. I think our generation needs a hybrid approach to communications, but one that is founded on eye contact. That’s the best way to instill confidence and demonstrate respect, and that’s the way we’ll really take direction and run.

-N.C.

Why You Should Have More Than One Mentor

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There’s nothing quite like a mentor. She understands you in ways that no one else seems to, she listens intently to your rants, she asks just the right questions, and gives the perfect advice. I must say my conversations with my mentors are some of my most fulfilling and important.

Take note that I said mentors – plural. Yes, I have more than one. I even have more than two. I’ve been very blessed to work with some amazing people over the years, and I’ve made it a priority to keep in touch with them. I’m not saying I chat with them every month, or even every three months. I connect with them when it feels right, and I love having it in the back of my mind that they are there for me.

While having a mentor is important for many reasons in helping with personal and professional development, having more than one is even better. Here’s a few reasons you should strive to have more than one mentor in your life.

  • Unique personalities. Depending on the issue, sometimes you want a soft approach, and sometimes you want told be told the hard truth. You’ll know it in your gut what type of advice you want. It’s wonderful to have different mentors with different approaches to go to depending on the issue. And sometimes it’s helped me even to imagine what hard truth mentor would tell me in the situation. Since she has a black and white approach, I can usually guess. And that’s helped give me insight to situations.
  • Varying viewpoints. I look to my mentors to provide insight and advice on topics that they can relate to, but everyone has a different journey to where they are now. Having multiple mentors means my issues can be looked upon from various points of view. And that’s so helpful when you want different perspectives on an issue.
  • Different advice. Sometimes, when you chat with your mentor, you have a gut instinct of what you think or what you want to do. The truth of the matter is that sometimes you’re not looking to be told what to do, you’re looking for someone you respect to listen to you and pull out what they hear. One of the wonderful things about having multiple mentors is that if one tells you something you don’t feel good about, you can always go to the other one. It takes your mentor off the pedestal and makes her feel real. Because mentors aren’t perfect, either!

Don’t be afraid to engage someone as a mentor. In general, people love giving advice! As long as you respect someone’s opinion and experience, ask them to chat through problems with you. Trust me when I say it will make a world of difference in how you think through your problems. After a while you will be able to look upon things with different perspectives. And that’s the best way to solve any problem.

-N.C.

Fake it Til You Make it (Or, How to be the Center of Attention)

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I’ve written before about the fact that I’m an introvert. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that – I just have a different style of communicating. But, there are moments where I need to forget about that and be – well – more outgoing.

I’m a big fan of the fake it til you make it mentality. I believe that you have power in your thoughts, and when your actions follow, your mind and heart are next. So – here are a few tips I have to take that inner ham and put it in the spotlight.

  • Ask lots of questions. I love this one. It’s especially easy because I’m genuinely interested in hearing about other peoples’ lives. And, the focus isn’t completely on me, but I’m keeping the conversation flowing and I’m not coming off as a wallflower. My first instinct is to go to shared interests. If you’re passionate about writing, and the other person is passionate about writing, start there. Your excitement will come through naturally and everyone will be happier.
  • Follow up with your response. It’s not enough to have a one sided conversation. Even if the other person doesn’t ask you back, there’s no problem to share both your thoughts about what the other person is saying and your own answer. Your thoughts will demonstrate that you’re listening and your own response will make sure you come across as open. Because unfortunately for us introverts, coming off as open is not always natural.
  • Don’t be afraid to be silly! Humor always helps a situation. Say what everyone else is thinking but isn’t saying. Be witty. If no one laughs, who cares? They’ll forget about it in one minute (or less) anyway. Keep putting yourself out there with these comments and the more you do it, the easier it will be to be outspoken in general.

I know, I know, easier said than done. And to be honest with you, part of the reason I wrote this post is because I will be in a situation this weekend where I’ll need to channel my inner extrovert. But like I said, thoughts can guide actions which will then guide your mind and heart. And really, I can’t remember the last time I regretted something I said, but I regret something I didn’t say all the time. That needs to change.

-N.C.

Keeping Drama Free

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We all have moments in the office that are full of drama. The boss told your colleague this and she did that and so on and so forth. This happens in the nonprofit sector just as much as in for profit companies. Just because we’re here for a reason bigger than ourselves doesn’t mean everything’s fine and dandy all the time – in fact, it’s often even more tense, because we’re all so passionate about our work.

Drama can be especially hurtful when the one getting the brunt of it is someone you’re friends with. It’s only natural to want to take sides… but I’m here to advise you not to. It’s so important to stay neutral. For your own personal sanity and for everyone’s benefit.

Here are a few tips to keep your cool in the midst of drama.

  • Be sympathetic. Notice I didn’t say be empathetic. Of course, it’s your friend, so listen, nod, and keep listening. Be a shoulder to cry on. Write a card of encouragement. But don’t cross that line to try to be in her shoes. You aren’t the one involved, and you shouldn’t try to be. Trust me, it won’t help anyone.
  • See all sides. Yes, because the person you’re friends with is going to vent to you, you’re most likely going to hear about one side much more than the other. And the way she slants everything probably means you’re going to justify her actions. But whatever your friend says, remember there’s always another side to the coin. You don’t know the other person’s point of view. So remember not to jump to any conclusions.
  • Separate yourself from the drama. No matter what happens between your colleagues, you still have a job to do. And maybe you’re going for a promotion or in it for the long haul. Don’t let the drama impact your view on your job. Be aware that it’s happening, but don’t let it change your mind about anything. You’re your own person with your own job to do.

You are in control of yourself. Your perception and attitude shape your future. Don’t let the drama get you down! Be supportive but neutral, and you’ll stay drama free.

-N.C.

How To Be the Best Hire Your Boss Ever Made

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I know, I know. You’re looking at that title like, wow. Really? Did she just go there? Isn’t that a little much? My boss would never think that of me or anyone else. Come on now, that’s a little dramatic.

Well, I’m here to tell you something. It’s possible. How do I know? My boss told me that on Monday.

I’m not lying. Those words left his mouth. But first he said with a smile, “don’t tell your direct supervisor” (he is her boss, and he hired her as well!). And – let me clarify exactly what he said.

“I’ve never hired anyone who has worked out as well as you are.”

It’s important to note that I have worked out well. I’m not just amazing – I have grown into amazing. And you can, too.

Here are some tips to grow into the best hire your boss (or even your boss’ boss) ever made.

  • Take the initiative. Deja vu. I’ve blogged about this topic before (see: How To Take the Initiative). But there’s a reason I keep coming back to it. Don’t just show up and do the minimum asked. Go above and beyond what’s expected. No, I don’t want you to start doing other people’s jobs… I want you to take your job and expand it. Did your boss ask for a certain report from the donor database? Provide it, but also explain what she’s looking at and make suggestions for how it could be better. Put yourself in your supervisor’s shoes, and provide her with what she wants, which is not necessarily what she’s asking for (quite frankly it’s usually not). You’re the expert on what you’re doing – so go for it!
  • Be professional but compassionate. The smallest details – responding cordially to a donor, ensuring thank you letters go out promptly – get me the biggest praise. It sounds so basic, but check your voicemail when you have a new message, respond to emails the same day you receive them, and always treat donors with the utmost respect (even when they personally might get under your skin). The smallest details mean so much.
  • Manage. Not just people. Manage your work load, your projects, and your life! Always be aware of what’s a priority for your boss, and more importantly, what’s not. I can’t tell you how long my list of “when I get to it” tasks is. Often your boss will unload a list of projects that would be nice to have done, but if you were to actually work on them, you’d better have all those thank you letters done. Be aware of your boss’ priorities and your own. The other part to this is to manage your life! You think my boss told me that because I’m here until 6:30 every night? Nope. I leave promptly after I’ve put in my eight hours. My good work/life balance helps me focus on work when I’m there – I’m not emotionally drained after putting in long hours every day.

So, for all you skeptics out there – you can do it! You can be the best hire your boss ever made. Or, at the very least, you can channel some amazing qualities which will get you that second look and who knows, maybe even a promotion.

-N.C.

Your Nonprofit is Making You Crazy

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…and mine is, too!!

Now, we all know that I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector for years and don’t plan to leave anytime soon (I’m even getting my Masters in Nonprofit Administration from USF)! But as much as I love the work I do, I’ve recently come to a realization…

My nonprofit is making me crazy!

The vast majority of people working in nonprofits are selfless, caring, passionate people. And when I say passionate, I mean passionate. We’re committed to the cause – mostly underpaid, working long hours, caring wholeheartedly about the work we do.

But when it comes to the day to day work we do… this passion can go overboard. Because we care so much, we believe so strongly in the work we’re doing, we fight for our opinions, programs, and priorities. They mean something to us. They matter.

Well, shoot. If you get too many people like that in a room… they’re bound to make anyone go a little crazy.

The next time you’re in your office, take a second to look around. There’s probably someone making copies, someone frantically getting ready for a committee meeting, someone on the phone with a potential volunteer. And I’d guess the hustle and bustle doesn’t exactly slow down at any point.

So, here’s the thing: this type of constant, passionate work is great in small doses, but in the long term, it’ll make you burn out. And that’s not OK unless you’re inching toward retirement. (Even then it’s not really OK!)

So, what to do? I’m not advising you to up and quit. Not telling you to go find a mindless administrative job that you don’t care about. Instead – accept that your nonprofit is making you crazy. Embrace the fact that everyone cares in excess about their work. The next time you’re in a meeting with someone who seems to be going on about her program, remember that she really believes in this project.

Be understanding, but also realize that it doesn’t have to be this way. The next time your colleagues are gearing up to stay in the office until 6:30, politely leave at 5:00. When noon rolls around, take 20 minutes for a break in the lunchroom. At your desk, remember to breathe and live peacefully. After a little bit of this, you’ll realize you’ve done something:

You’ve taken back the crazy.

-N.C.

What To Do When You’re Really Good at Something You Hate

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Earlier this week I prepared my self evaluation for my 90 day review. My supervisor and I met to go over it and she briefly told me that she’s going to prepare something official, but in the meantime, she wanted me to know I was doing well. And then she added the thing that has most impressed her about my work in these first three months.

When you managed registration at Winners! You were so great, greeting guests and keeping everything organized. You had it all figured out – it was really outstanding!

Something you may or may not know about me is that I hate events. Definitely my least favorite part of fundraising. And yes, Winners is the annual gala – an event.

My first reaction to this feedback was: Really? I’ve been doing all this other work and that’s what you point out?? But I decided to use this moment to understand more about her opinion. Here are a few things I suggest you identify when you get this feedback – that you’re really good at something you hate.

  • Identify what made you great. My time managing the registration desk and volunteers clearly stood out to my supervisor. Why? Well, I did everything from determine the check in process, to setting up materials, to training the volunteers, to greeting guests and introducing myself. And she didn’t have to ask me to do one thing. In short, I took initiative. I stood out because when I overheard a volunteer say a board member’s name, I took their nametag over to them and introduced myself. For me, taking the initiative is something that has come with time and experience. Hearing this feedback made me feel like I’m in a good place with that journey.
  • Identify something about it that you love. So I lied when I said I hate events. I hate event planning… but there are elements to the actual event that I love. Relationship building is one of those things, and that’s absolutely something that is essential to a good registration experience. I didn’t just stand there after training the volunteers, I met as many people as I could. And relationship building is the heart of fundraising – so it’s a good thing I love it!
  • Identify what you can translate to your other (more well-liked) duties. Something I can work on in my day to day job that I excelled at that night is to always be outgoing. As an introvert, I like to hear what others have to say before I chime in. That night I always spoke first – I threw caution to the wind and went for it. This is definitely something I can use when speaking with donors in other realms.

I guess there are worse things in life than being told you’re really good at something you hate. Like being told you’re really bad at something you love! But, as silly as it sounds, it’s actually a bit frustrating to hear. I hope these tips help you understand the feedback. I know they’ve helped me.

-N.C.

Thoughts on the Future

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As always, I’ve been tossing around ideas about my future lately. I have my five most important values posted on my wall so that I’m reminded of them every day. One of them is making a difference. But what I haven’t really asked myself is…

What does it mean to make a difference?

I’ve always thought of making a difference in the traditional way. Take a visible leadership role and make change in your community. Participate in advocacy, educate your peers, and take an active role in changing the world. Pick up litter. Smile at a stranger. Recycle. You know, that sort of thing.

But last night I thought… what if I’m thinking too small? What if I’m being too close minded about what making a difference can mean? I’ve shared on here that I’m open to being a nonprofit consultant in the future (see my post Updating My About Me Page). But lately I think I might have shifted that thinking from being a possibility to being a strong possibility. Even stronger than becoming a CEO.

My time in the Master of Nonprofit Administration program at USF will be so useful in a consultant capacity. I’ll be able to use my skills and knowledge with a large breadth of organizations. The work will be varied and interesting. And, the responsibility will be different.

I have to admit, I have a hard time shouldering a large amount of responsibility. I get very wrapped up in doing everyone proud that I drive myself a little nuts (see my post I Am an Overachiever). Being a consultant would be a different type of responsibility. I can be a partner with a CEO to assist them with implementation, but not be the sole person creating change. I can be in the supporting role, much like I loved being an advisor to student organizations at UCSD (namely, Alternative Breaks). It’s a different type of responsibility, and one that very much attracts me.

As always, things change. But the important thing is that I’m continually thinking about what will make me happy and what works best for my future. And I think this just might be the ticket.

-N.C.