What Board Members are Saying and Asking For.
In a recent qualitative research study (Ramonia Dixon, EdD, June, ’23), the findings revealed that nonprofit board members feel and expressed concern that they often embark in the position not knowing their roles and responsibilities. They recognized and expressed a need for more training but unfortunately felt it was inconsistent, not prioritized, or not a part of the organization culture. Even though this study’s findings are specific to board members, we at The Philantrepreneur Foundation feel the need to train all the stakeholders, leadership, staff, and volunteers, is essential.
While working with organizations we have heard repeatedly that the desire to provide training is not the issue, but the problem is facilitation related to accessibility, adaptability, and affordability. Internal training for staff and volunteers is more doable because the organization can be the facilitator. However, training for leadership – board members, executive directors, and founders, needs to be done by external resources. Generic training does not adapt or address an organization’s unique needs, whereas contracted consultant training is generally not affordable.
Therefore, the training model should address accessibility, adaptability, and affordability, provide a unique experience, and address real-time challenges, roles, and responsibilities.
How Masterminds Transforms the Nonprofit Leadership Training Model
Entrepreneurs and business executives have known for decades that evolutionary leadership development happens best in mastermind groups. Nonprofit leaders are included however, the content and focus are still from a for-profit viewpoint. Nonprofits need mastermind groups that are designed for their sector and for individual roles.
Content specific Masterminds can,
- Provide a built-in like-minded community.
Nonprofits are full of innovative, passionate leaders. They understand the challenges of nonprofits, but more importantly, they appreciate the meaningful work. Being a part of a community of people driven to impact change in their communities will inspire them to find new ways to fulfill their mission. Community is everything personally and for the organization.
- Create collaboration and support from peers.
Solving problems alone can be daunting. The benefits of collaboration are deep. In one study, 60% of employees believed collaboration positively impacted innovation, and that same study showed collaboration increased productivity, saved time, and increased the quality of work.
If that’s true for rank-and-file employees in a for-profit business, imagine the power of collaboration among leaders in the nonprofit world, who are already committed to helping others as their primary professional focus. Lean on each other for support when needed and cheer each other on as you reach new milestones. Collaboration is essential in leadership training for nonprofits.
- Provide access to industry experts.
Mastermind content model provides access to carefully selected content experts with expertise in key areas of nonprofit growth and management. These experts provide tailored advice specific to the issues that challenge nonprofit leaders. Learn from directors who have years of experience, fundraisers who have broken records, and communications directors who have developed an engaged a passionate group of supporters.
- Let you learn from the experience of others.
Stop the endless Google searches trying to find the answers to some of your problems. Like, what’s the best way to reach your target group, what social media channel is best for your efforts, and which digital fundraising platform has the best bang for your buck? In a nonprofit mastermind group, you’ll be matched with likeminded peers to ask questions like these and get the advice of expert coaches. Ask people who’ve been there, who can give you nuanced advice, and stop wasting time with Google.
- Provide Exclusive Content Geared for Your Needs
A nonprofit mastermind group isn’t just a weekend workshop or virtual training where you are one among hundreds. We prescreen participants so that each cohort is filled with like-minded people and come from similar experiences. Our mastermind content is driven by the participant needs and allows for individual feedback in real-time experiences.
- Provide the time to implement the teachings.
Committing to a mastermind means that you’ll establish long-term relationships with other dedicated leaders like yourself. You’ll have the time and opportunity to implement what you’ve learned and fine-tune it with real-time feedback. If something you try isn’t the best fit for your organization, you’re not back to square one, rather bring it back to the group for evaluation. Additionally, the power and value of having a group behind you is priceless. This is a community that is here for you for the long haul.
The Philantrepreneur Foundation is excited to launch its Nonprofit Masterminds starting with a Founders cohort and a Fundraising cohort. In the fall the Leadership Mastermind will launch for Board Members and Executive Directors.
Join us by providing feedback on your needs and challenges.
Get started by filling out The Philantrepreneur Foundation’s Mastermind Inquiry form – Right here!
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