Crossing Over…
I got a call from an old friend.
He’s had a successful career in the corporate sector, achieved remarkable things, made a bunch of money… He’s looking for a change, a new challenge, a way to use his talents and experience to do something meaningful. Maybe do something in the nonprofit world…
He’s not alone.
I’ve had similar conversations with teachers, clergy, people in sales and real estate. Some think of it as a midlife crisis of some sort. But there are skilled and experienced people who are curious about whether there’s a place for them in leading charities.
In 2008 Julia Moulden published We Are The New Radicals, a book about the challenge and opportunity of corporate leaders launching second careers in charity. I posted about it back then.
In the last 15 years I’ve seen several people make this jump. Some to great success, some very much not. Here’s the advice I give to those considering it:
Don’t overestimate yourself. There’s still a sense among many people that the nonprofit world is a less serious, happy go lucky, do gooder sector that desperately needs a dose of the kind of real leadership corporate leaders have in abundance. In fact, the strongest corporate leaders I’ve seen cross over to non-profit have struggled dramatically or failed completely. There are realities and skillsets required for charity success that are different. Like in any field there are many common realities to all leadership and some specifics that you only learn within the sector. Charity leaders are professionals in their own right, not cheap facsimile wannabe cast offs from the “real” world.
Don’t underestimate yourself. There are universal leadership principles that absolutely do translate from for profit to nonprofit (or the public sector for that matter). If you come in with a humble learner’s mindset you will likely find quickly that there are ways you can apply your experience and insight. There is a striking shortage of available leaders in the charitable world right now (again, as in other sectors) and healthy leaders who are willing to learn are definitely needed. Know what you have to offer, and what you don’t know yet.
Know what you really want. One CEO I knew thought moving from a billion dollar corporation to a charity with an operating budget under 10 million meant he could handle the role in a few hours each week. He soon found out how wrong he was. If you’re looking for a part time role, a chance to contribute to your community, a favourite cause, or something to keep yourself occupied there may be a great fit for you. But you have to be realistic about what you have to offer and what you’re hoping to get. Maybe volunteering in a program, serving on a board, or hosting a fundraising event is a better option than taking on a staff leadership role; or maybe you are just what an organization needs.
Find some advisors. Successful leaders in every field have people they trust to speak into their lives and leadership. If you’re new to the charitable sector you should find a couple experienced leaders, consultants, or board directors who understand more about the practicalities of nonprofit leadership who will take your call and talk things through with you. There are professional peer groups like Ed Wilson’s Tempo Groups or, for Christian leaders, the Arrow Executive Program. I offer individual leaders monthly PACE Sessions. Find an option that fits your style and schedule, but don’t try to go it alone. You’ll need help eventually, why not start that way?
Welcome to the party! Charity leadership is not less stressful than for profit, and in many ways it isn’t always more meaningful. But if you’re sincerely interested in exploring how you can play in part in trying to make the world a better place we’d love to have you. Like anything significant, it might take some time to find the right fit and develop your understanding, but I think you’ll find charity world to be populated with remarkable people who are passionate, skilled, and often a lot of fun. We may sometimes be a little hesitant to welcome “outsiders” (like any other group) but if you’re sincerely interested you’ll quickly find yourself a part of something really special.
It’s a pleasure for me to help people explore the possibility of nonprofit leadership. I can connect them to resources, search consultants, and organizations that might be a natural fit. My commitment to the charitable sector means I’m always eager to help quality people find their place.
Contact me if I can be helpful to you and/or your organization.
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