Six Easy Ways To Grow As A Leader And Help Your NPO Build A Solid Foundation

Post written by

Sara Dawdy

CEO of Mision 22, leading the charge to end veteran suicide in America.

We get asked often how we have grown so quickly. Being a 5-year-old charity, we are the new kids on the block. Yet, we have doubled in size every year since we started. We did so by doing one simple thing: We built relationships with people. People will care about what you care about if they care about you. If you are genuine and real, they will want to follow you.

I have found this to be so very true. People are looking for a community and a cause to get behind. In a day when we are so connected, yet so disconnected, people long for community. They want to feel connected and have a purpose. Your NPO can be that community and that purpose. You just have to show people how and why.

1. Tell your story and why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Your story and why you got involved is one of the biggest assets you have. People want to follow other people, not a brand or a company. They want you to lead them in your mission -- whatever it may be. You just need to give them a good reason why they should follow you.

Passion goes a long way when you are trying to get people to understand why your cause is a worthy one. You never know when the opportunity might come up to be true and authentic and share your experience. When you see it, take it, but make sure it is the right person, place and time. I can tell in the first 30 seconds of talking to someone if they need my short pitch (30 seconds), elevator pitch or if they are really listening and would benefit from the story of my authentic experience.

2. Treat rejection as a sharpening stone.

Every time you are rejected, your next attempt will be with a sharper intellect and a better understanding. I love getting rejected. It makes me smarter, better and more focused for the next time. It is an opportunity for growth and to learn how to find a “yes.” It helps me hone my language and always have answers at the ready.

Accept the rejection and ask for feedback. What could you have done better? Use this feedback to guide your future strategies and hone in on what works and what does not.

3. Be proud to ask for funding.

You are giving people an opportunity to develop merit in their own life. Donations are not handouts; they are rewarding to those who give them.

Be sure of what you are asking and ask in your words. Tell them what you need, how much and how their dollars will be going into direct action. This is valuable to donors who want to understand the real-world application of their hard-earned donation dollars.

4. Measure your success but not in money raised.

Instead, measure success by the people who you got to speak with about your organization and what you are doing. You never know who might be listening -- maybe it’s someone who just might have needed to hear what you said the most. Someone who might need the exact support that you have to offer.

I was at an event one day, and someone who we had supported through one of our treatment programs came up to speak with us. As the tears ran down their face in happiness as they told of the changes in their life, I saw the truth. This was the real success. Lives being changed and seeing the ripple effect it creates. It is profound. And what drives us as an organization is just that -- the people we support.

5. Treat businesses the same as you would a person you respect.

That is all a business is, a place with people. People are the most important asset that your NPO has. Treat them well, and they will pay you back tenfold in dedication and hard work.

Your business will do the same. Treat it with integrity and respect, and watch it flourish.

6. Write down three reachable goals every day -- and meet them.

This is the last and most important step for me. For example, I might commit to walk into 10 businesses and pitch the managers for $100, read three chapters of a book in an area I need to grow as a leader and adopt an attitude of gratitude for the day.

Three achievable goals, every day. Always do your best and know how you’re going make sure it’s possible, so to avoid getting discouraged. This will help you grow as a leader, help you keep accountability for yourself and always move forward toward success.

These mentalities and simple action items can help you grow professionally and personally. Confidence, authenticity, kindness and respect are pillars of what it takes to be not only a great leader but a good human. As a leader, you are the example for everyone in your company, both staff and volunteers. By being the example you want them to emulate, you lead all of them, yourself and your NPO to success.


