TAKE THE LIMITS OFF
Have you ever said a statement like the ones below?
“I’ve always wanted to start a nonprofit or small exempt organization, but I don’t know where to begin.”
“I don’t understand who to bring to the table of my board.”
“I could never speak in front of a large audience…or a small one…or any audience!”
“I am not good at leading people.”
“I wouldn’t know where to start when it comes to finding grants to fund my organization.”
“The nonprofit sector is like a foreign language to me!”
“I’d like to pursue the leadership role of a Small Exempt Organization, but I’m not sure if I have the skills or experience.”
CHOICE
These are the forks in the road toward your dreams, goals, and aspirations. Just one of these thoughts, tightly held, is enough to deter you from your path to success and significance.
SOLUTION
There is a solution that can make a difference.
That solution is to tap into the strengths of those who know what you don’t and who have strengths that complement your own.
There is someone who loves to do what you hate; someone who has the resources you need; and someone who can help you across a bridge you feared traversing.
Where your strengths, beliefs, abilities, experience, and resources end is where someone else’s begin. The key is to learn to reach out and to do so before you have expended unnecessary time and energy spinning your wheels.
ACTION
First, think about what is holding you back from moving toward your mission, dream, or goal right now.
Say the statement (or statements). They will sound like excuses, but say them anyway.
Then, write them down. This helps you clearly face the reality of the issue and the act of writing them down naturally initiates a resolution phase. These are simply indicators that you have reached a fork in the road. And now, you get to choose which direction to take.
Now ask yourself, “What do I need?”
Here are some examples.
“I need . . .”
- Expertise
- Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Belief
- Resources
- Connections
- Strengths
- Wisdom and Discernment
- Ideas
You can either take action to obtain what you need, or you can connect with someone who can fill the need.
Example . . .
Here’s an example: “I don’t understand how to navigate through the maze of the State and Federal applications and filings to get approved with a 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.”
Okay… You’ve said it, and you wrote it down. You are facing reality.
When you ask, “What do I need?”, the answer would be “expertise”.
And now, you simply ask yourself if you have the time, money, and desire to become an expert in this area OR if you prefer to lean on the expertise of someone who has strengths in this area, like myself.
This is how you go from living with a limiting belief to overcoming it.
Applying this process each time you are reminded of your limitations helps you push forward on the path to success. It doesn’t happen by accident. It only happens by intentional action. (D. Ingino)
Dealing with Difficult Board Members in a Nonprofit
Dealing with difficult board members in a nonprofit can be challenging but if the situation arises, you must know how to deal with it to maintain a productive environment. By addressing conflicts through open communication and conflict resolution strategies, many issues can be resolved without resorting to removal. However, when removal becomes necessary, ensure that your organization’s bylaws and state laws are followed, and consult with legal counsel to minimize potential legal risks.
Incorporating preventive measures such as clear expectations, regular board evaluations, and a diligent recruitment process can help minimize future issues and promote a more effective and cohesive board. By fostering a culture of open dialogue, continuous improvement, and commitment to the organization’s mission, your nonprofit can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the community. (Partial Article by Greg McRay)
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