01/25/2024

How I Learned to be a Better Manager as a Nonprofit Professional

Become a better manager of those you employ

Last week, I bumped into somebody who I hadn't seen in probably a decade. It was someone I interacted with a lot at the beginning of my career. Running into this person brought back memories of the first few years I managed people.

Like many nonprofit managers, I was promoted into the role after showing promise as an individual contributor on the team. I was excited about this new opportunity but frustrated and bewildered about how to interact with the people now reporting to me. I wasn't given any instruction, training, or coaching on how to manage people. I also hadn't yet experienced good management in my young career, and I didn't yet know the importance of and how to recognize good leadership.

So, again, like many new nonprofit managers, I went with my gut. As a new 20-something manager whose instincts weren't fully developed and who hadn't had many examples of good managers, I didn't have much success.

Please select this link to read the complete blog post from Talbott Talent.