My entire work career has been spent in nonprofit organizations. Every one of my workplaces has had women in the majority functioning as team with complete collaboration. Titles never mattered. No one ever tried to take credit for group efforts. It has always been about the results.
Last week Third Sector Connector had a wonderful list, 17 Hallmarks of Community Change Agents. A few jumped off the screen:
- They value team, and they have an understanding that attracting, retaining, and supporting a strong team is essential to delivering high quality services.
- Rather than building silos and rigidly adhering to job descriptions, they encourage ad-hoc teams, cross-training and shared responsibility.
- They encourage, value and provide professional development, mentoring and coaching.
You may notice a common thread. The teamwork is blurred. Roles shift and change. People are appreciated. Everyone offers their best because no one is taking credit or calling the work their own. Success stems from a group effort by qualified and valued members.
Over the years, my leadership style has always been based on such impassioned teams. Accomplishments are always paramount to the role I play.
A quote by Harry S. Truman has resonated with me and reminded me of what’s important:
You can accomplish anything in life provided that you do not mind who gets the credit.
It’s so true. This has always been my way of life. For me it is never about the “glory”. I want to improve the lives around me by leading and growing community for the common good. I don’t believe in saying “I”, it’s always “We”. It’s actually painful for me when I can’t bring people together and I have to watch endeavors wither.
So I’m pleased to be reminded of how real, positive change can be attained.
DandyID
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Cindy – So glad to have inspired this post, and I love the Truman quote! Just as with most things in life, good things seem to regularly come from stripping off our “black-or-white” sunglasses, putting on our shape-shifting suits, and diving into the swirling water with a group of like-minded (and sometimes equally wacky) change-agents!
@3rdSect
Thanks Laura! This week I attended a staff retreat with a nonprofit organization. One of the afternoon sessions was for managers but many of the staff were scheduled to attend. The executive director explained that if they were wondering why, this was a professional development opportunity she wanted to offer to everyone. The organization is definitely a change agent for all of the reasons you mention in your article. This instance is only one small example. Keep up the good work.