Blog Archives

Nonprofit leadership teams that work with Kim Romain

9/23/2024

In episode 107 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Kim Romain discuss the intricacies of leadership in nonprofit organizations, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by executive teams. Romain emphasizes the importance of cultivating a collaborative, mission-driven leadership culture that avoids burnout and fosters a sense of belonging among team members. She highlights the critical role of self-awareness and the need for leaders to step back from day-to-day problem-solving to focus on visionary leadership.
The conversation also explores the dynamics of competition within teams, the impact of leadership behavior on organizational culture, and the importance of creating supportive systems that align with the needs of individual team members.

Episode highlights:
The Role of Leadership Teams in Nonprofits
[00:05:08 - 00:08:01]

The unique role of leadership teams in nonprofits, emphasizing how these teams set the tone for the entire organization and the importance of operating with ease to avoid dysfunction and burnout.

Challenges of Siloed Leadership Teams
[00:08:01 - 00:010:04]

The common challenge of leadership teams operating in silos, where department heads focus on their own areas without collaborating effectively as a team. This lack of collaboration can hinder the organization's overall impact.

Benefits of Collaborative Leadership Teams
[00:10:04 - 00:11:25]

The benefits of a well-functioning leadership team, where members support each other, share ideas, and allow executives to focus on visionary leadership rather than day-to-day problem-solving.

Self-Awareness and Leadership
[00:012:00 - 00:15:00]

The importance of self-awareness in leadership, encouraging leaders to understand their own strengths and challenges to better support their teams.

The Impact of Competition and Misalignment
[00:19:34 - 00:21:26]

Competition within leadership teams, where department heads may compete for resources or recognition.

Returning to Mission as a Compass
[00:21:26 - 00:22:32]

Leadership teams should consistently return to the organization's mission as a guiding compass to overcome competition and align their efforts with the organization's goals.

Systemic Impact of Leadership Behavior
[00:23:00 - 00:25:00]

The behavior of leadership teams can have a systemic impact on the organization, influencing everything from staff retention to constituent engagement. She highlights the importance of addressing dis-ease within the leadership team to prevent broader organizational issues.

Characteristics of a Healthy Leadership Team
[00:27:36 - 00:29:08]

What a healthy leadership team looks like, including collaboration, mutual support, and a shared commitment to the mission. She emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued.

Cultivating a Healthier Leadership Culture
[00:30:11 - 00:32:00]

Practical advice for executive directors on how to cultivate a healthier culture within their leadership teams, starting with self-reflection and creating systems that align with the team's needs.

Listen Here

Guest Bio:
Kim Romain is a Life & Business Alchemist for visionaries, changemakers and paradigm shifters. With over 25 years of experience as an attorney, nonprofit executive, and artist, Kim is a catalyst for awakened leadership and creating a more just and equitable world from a place of centeredness and strategic alignment. As the founder of The Rising Visionaries and co-host of Kickass Career Conversations – now the Empowered and Embodied podcast, Kim fosters sustainable success and embodied leadership, inspiring purposeful action with ease, joy, and freedom.

Important Links and Resources:
Kim Romain
Your Kickass Career
Kim Romain - Life & Business Alchemist

Related Episodes:
Episode 46: Generous nonprofit leadership
Episode 54: Best of nonprofit leadership transitions
Episode 92: Three stages of nonprofit leadership
Episode 100: 10 things I have learned from 100 episodes

Click "Read More" for a transcript of the interview.

Next-Gen Leadership: Evolving Nonprofit Board Governance with Julie Patrick

9/9/2024

In episode 106 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Julia Patrick, a seasoned nonprofit leader and philanthropist. On the episode, Patrick shares her perspectives on the evolving challenges and opportunities in nonprofit board governance, emphasizing the importance of strategic board management, the integration of younger leaders, and the need for continuous training to foster board engagement and effectiveness.
The discussion also covers innovative solutions such as board liaisons and board portals to streamline operations and enhance transparency. Patrick advocates for intergenerational collaboration and the adoption of the 10-10-10 rule for decision-making, which helps leaders prioritize actions based on their impact over time.

Episode highlights:
Challenges in Board Governance
[00:05:45 The complexities of board service, the importance of mission achievement, and the uniquely American philanthropic spirit.
Generational Shifts and Board Member Engagement
[00:07:54]

The demographic shifts affecting board membership, including the "silver tsunami" and the rise of next-gen leaders. She describes how younger leaders, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, approach board service differently, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and digital proficiency.

The Role of Board Liaisons and Technology in Governance
[00:12:27]

The role of professional board liaisons and the use of board portals to manage documents and ensure transparency. She highlights the importance of these tools for efficient board operations, particularly for younger members.

Effective Board Management Practices
[00:16:29]

The need for effective meeting management, and connecting board members to the organization's mission through ongoing training.

Training and Development for Board Members
[00:19:32]

The importance of training board members not only on governance but also on the specific mission and operations of the organization. She suggests shadowing staff members as a way for board members to gain deeper insights.

Intergenerational Collaboration and Board Dynamics
[00:24:20]

The conversation touches on the benefits of involving C-suite members in board meetings and the importance of intergenerational collaboration for the long-term health of nonprofit organizations.

Recruiting and Retaining Younger Board Members
[00:29:46 ]

Strategies for recruiting and retaining younger board members, including the buddy system, soft skills training, and institutional knowledge transfer.

The 10-10-10 Rule for Decision-Making
[00:34:10]

Patrick shares her "10-10-10" rule, a decision-making framework that considers the impact of actions over 10 weeks, 10 months, and 10 years, helping leaders prioritize and stay strategic.

Listen Here

Guest Bio:
Julia C. Patrick is the CEO of the American Nonprofit Academy and trains nonprofit leaders across the globe. At the onset of the global pandemic in 2020, Patrick launched The Nonprofit Show, the nation's only daily live broadcast. She and her team have produced more than 1,000 episodes and have been broadcasting now for 5 years! 

Important Links and Resources:
Julia C. Patrick
American Nonprofit Academy
Building Board Champions: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Board-Champions-Activating-Impactful/dp/B0D58122XR

Related Episodes:
Episode 61: Impactful boards
Episode 81: Being a co-leader with your board
Episode 99: Elevating nonprofit governance and leadership
Episode 102: The Nonprofit board’s duty of foresight

Click "Read More" for a transcript of the interview.

Mission: Impact podcast & blog

Nonprofit leadership teams that work with Kim Romain

Next-Gen Leadership: Evolving Nonprofit Board Governance with Julie Patrick

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