This is in no way meant to represent all the lessons I've learned living the nonprofit life. (Look out for Part 2 in a few weeks...) At one point, the list topped out at over 25. But since the original list included "Use as few words as possible to make your point," I thought I'd practice here what I preach.
- Stop talking and listen.
- Take a genuine interest in employees at all levels of your organization. Their work embodies the mission and their stories are worth hearing and repeating.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- The person who writes I am a "detale-oriented" person clearly isn't. Discard submission and move on.
- Focus on the forest as much as possible. If you've surrounded yourself with the right people, the trees will take care of themselves.
- Pick up the phone and call.
- There's a reason they're called Trustees. You've entrusted the health and wealth of your organization to them. Recruit them wisely. Every person should bring something new and needed.
- Learn how to count. How many people do you serve? What do your programs cost? How are donors' dollars designated? How do you measure financial risk?
- If the taxi gets into a fender bender on the way to an important meeting with [fill in the blank], pay the driver, get out, and run the rest of the way. (See #3)
- Everything will take longer than you anticipated. Start now.