“Leadership and Learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy
The Nonprofit Solutions tagline “Learn – Connect – Grow” reflects the heart of the nonprofit community. Since 1991, Nonprofit Solutions has supported nonprofit organizations in achieving their mission. The best way to do so? Invest in the most important asset: The People. Help them learn. As JFK stated, leadership and learning are interdependent. To be successful, never stop learning.
No matter your position at your organization, you can choose to be a leader. We are dedicated to cultivating leaders at all levels of the organization. Therefore, in 2016, our signature Mindful Manager program was born, and it quickly become most popular and successful program. In addition to training professionals on how to run all aspects of a nonprofit, this 10 workshop series focusing on the “soft skills” so crucial for success.
In our all training programs, our goal is actionable change. We want to make the learning relevant and applicable to your work. In fact, it is not what happens in those one-two hour sessions that matters; it is what happens after you leave. What do you do back at work? How has the information impacted you, your team, your mission and those you serve? This is where true learning occurs.
MINDFUL MINUTE for LEARNING:
At the beginning of every Mindful Manager workshop, we take a “Mindful Minute” to center ourselves, get present, and focus on our intentions for being there. We encourage you to use this routine throughout your workday: when you turn on your computer, at the beginning of a meeting, before an important phone call. Take 60 seconds, to breathe and turn off the mental chatter. You will be amazed at the subtle and critical difference this makes. Be open to what the next activities will teach you. Be always open to learn.
“Connection is the power that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued." - Dr. Brene Brown
Connection is both more accessible and more challenging in today’s virtual world. On one hand, technology allows us to be more connected than ever; on the other, we often feel a void of meaningful connection in these virtual spaces.
At Nonprofit Solutions, we are committed to keeping our convenient virtual workshops live and interactive with plenty of small and large group discussion. We are often asked when we will offer fully online, on-demand workshops. These are certainly convenient, and we may do so eventually with some topics. However, leadership is about connecting, and our participants love the ability to meet, network, and share with their peers.
We begin every Mindful Manager session by asking you to set an Intention for the workshop. Intentions are different than workshop objectives. They are often personal and drive the purpose of your presence there. Priya Parker in The Art of Gathering, reminds us that every gathering (meeting, party, etc.) should start with the question “What is the purpose?” When we skip that part, we get caught up in details and risk disconnection.
As you plan your gatherings, virtual or in-person, remember to make the purpose primary. For example, what is the purpose of the fundraising call or weekly staff meeting? Then what form and structures will support that purpose. What is your intention when you show up? How can that help you connect more meaningful moving forward?
MINDFUL MINUTE for CONNECTION:
Before your next meeting, close your eyes and take two slow, deep breaths. Ask yourself, “What is my intention for this gathering?” Stay away from basic objectives or outcomes. Some of the best intentions begin with “I want to be…” What do you want to be, or bring, or leave with? Write it down and let it guide your purposeful presence with your team. Notice how it can change your interactions and the outcome of the meeting. Encourage others to do the same and watch your connections grow.
“From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow.” -Aeschylus, Greek Author
Nonprofit Solutions also strives to be a place for leaders & teams to grow. That is the foundation of modern leadership and all of our programs.
Leaders are not all-knowing. Leaders are willing to grow, and they look for ways to do so. Leaders seek seeds of purpose to plant and cultivate – both within themselves and their team.
A guiding principle we teach is Growth Mindset and the radical concept of “Not Yet.” What skills or talents do you envy in others and think you lack? Reframe those thoughts to a Growth Mindset dedicated to learning…You may not have effective time/attention management strategies yet. You may not have confidence in your leadership abilities yet. You may not know how to have difficult conversations yet.
Do not be intimidated by the concept of leadership as something outside of yourself. Remember the acorn. The acorn has within it all it needs to become a mighty oak tree. You are an acorn: you have all that you need within you to become a mighty leader. Join us and grow.
MINDFUL MINUTE for GROWTH:
Close your eyes and settle your breath. Focus on the area just above your navel. Breathe into your core. Ask your best self, “How do I want to grow – as a person, a teammate, a leader?” Write down the first things that come to mind. These are your seeds. Keep this note on your desk for a week and read it every day. Notice what opportunities arise where these seeds can be planted, and soon you will have a seedling, then a plant, and someday an oak.