Most people think of executive director positions as being focused on management and business administration. There is, however, a marked difference between being an effective leader and being an effective manager. These skills are not mutually exclusive, and the difference can really shape the entire work environment and significantly impact the nonprofit.
While anyone can have great management skills that focus on planning and strategizing, the leadership skills of an executive director focus on the personality and ability to align the team toward a common vision.
The Difference Between Managers and Leaders
Managers play an important part in keeping day-to-day operations functioning efficiently. They are focused on setting goals for the organization and team. Often, managers are focused on the “here and now” of the organization, making sure that everything is going as planned. They run on pre-existing productivity structures and are skilled at executing strategic plans.
By contrast, leaders are future-focused. They challenge current processes and take steps to further the organization. They are innovative and willing to accept ideas from the team. Leaders are skilled at creating a vision and convincing their team that it is beneficial for all. Leaders also focus more on building relationships with their team members than on productivity. They are willing to take risks and challenge the status quo. Leaders distinguish themselves from managers by being willing to work on themselves in order to develop their mindset and point of view.
Top Skills for Executive Director Leadership
Executive director leadership skills are wide ranging, and good leaders try to develop their abilities in all areas. Individual leaders will have special traits that they are particularly good at, and the most desirable skills may differ between each organization.
Suppose a nonprofit has been spinning its wheels and unable to make any real progress. In that case, it may require an executive director who is especially innovative and willing to take a risk. If there has been a bad work atmosphere among team members for some time, an executive director skilled at aligning a team under one vision may be just the thing to pull them out of the rut.
There are, however, some skills that can be used in just about any situation:
Self-Development
Self-development is single-handedly the most important way to develop executive director leadership skills. True leaders remain teachable and understand that the organization will stagnate if they are stagnant in their learning.
Developing their own emotional awareness can help executive directors understand why their team may behave or react in a certain way. Understanding their own personal privilege in the workplace and their target population can help them remain informed and cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment.
It is always beneficial for executive directors to develop skills in public speaking, empathy, and social psychology. These skills are integral to a strong leader.
Reading books on the subject, finding a mentor, or doing personal inner work to help them understand what moves them forward is of utmost importance.
Time Management
Even if you consider yourself more a leader than a manager, time-management skills are the building blocks of success. Even the best leaders can’t shine in the role of executive director if they run behind or are double-booked for meetings. Being able to stay on top of your responsibilities and being accountable to your team when something goes awry will go a long way toward developing trust and lasting relationships.
Scheduling time into your week for personal development or team-building efforts can truly solidify your performance as an executive director. Taking the time to debrief with your team members, establishing “touchpoints” throughout the week to connect and check in, and making yourself available for listening to staff issues are the building blocks that lead to a solid team.
Strategic Thinking
Strategic thinking paves the way for future success. Executive directors who are skilled at strategic thinking can think outside the box. They know that in order to have success with future projects, there needs to be discipline. They know that success does not appear out of thin air.
Executive directors who employ strategic thinking will have a keen eye for data analysis and will be able to anticipate obstacles and formulate plans to stop them in their tracks. The creativity involved in strategic thinking paves the way for the smooth execution of a plan, no matter the goal.
Team Development
A manager wants the team to be effective, and a leader wants the team to be dynamic. Good leaders are concerned with the team’s well-being and personal development. It is not unheard of for strong leaders in organizations to ask their staff members to read mindset books or take leadership training. Executive directors who see their team as essential to the nonprofit’s longevity understand that a happy, fulfilled team will go the extra mile to meet goals.
There are several stages through which teams get to know each other and adapt to each other’s work styles and personalities. The transition periods between these stages are times when the executive director needs to help smooth the waters. Being mindful of these inevitable periods and consistently providing professional-development opportunities will help strengthen your place as a leader.
Communication
The common thread that runs through all nonprofits is the need for effective communication. For executive directors, there is a daily need for communicating on many different platforms.
First, learning to listen empathetically to your team is essential. Developing active listening skills is one of the key steps in developing a dialed-in team. Being able to express yourself with clarity and conviction will ensure everyone is on the same page and understands their role.
Interpersonal communication is a necessary leadership skill, but the ability to express yourself through storytelling is also critical. When addressing a room full of clients, donors, or staff members, it is important to have an impact on your audience, to make emotional connections, and to light the spark of motivation. This is an easily learnable skill.
How to Improve Your Executive Director Leadership Skills
Luckily, developing executive director leadership skills is easier than ever. Strong leaders are in demand in the workplace, and the market is filled with books from experienced professionals. A quick glance through podcast titles will find you many episodes you can listen to on the way to work. It is easy to fit leadership development into the otherwise mundane minutes of your day, such as your commute or while you are getting ready in the morning.
If you are serious about improving executive director leadership skills, there are several courses that you can take. Many universities offer continuing education certificates to professionals for a reasonable price. Some of them are available online. If you are looking for higher education, numerous universities offer master’s degrees in Leadership.
Conclusion
Deciding whether you are a manager or a leader is the best way to fast-track your career as an executive director. If you are looking to make a name for yourself in the industry, propel your organization, and attract donors, this is best done through leadership. Promoting your vision for the future, proving that you are capable of running a cohesive team, and demonstrating your success to the public will help establish you as a forerunner in the nonprofit world.
