An Outside Perspective Can Help Your Nonprofit Succeed

After what seemed like weeks of rain, Sunday was a beautiful day. The sun was out!

As I was driving, I reached for my sunglasses to combat the glare. Wow! What a difference. I realized that it was the first time I had worn new prescription sunglasses while driving. Not only were my eyes not under siege, but I could see clearly.

A few months ago, I went in for an eye exam because I was having trouble reading at night. Sure enough, my reading prescription needed a little fine tuning. But even more so, my distance needed correcting and I had no idea.

We all need help seeing situations and circumstances more clearly. There seems to be an abundance of coaches these days—folks who can guide and train you on just about any topic.

I have an incredible executive coach—a corporate psychologist who regularly challenges me to become better. Our firm has an advisory board composed of top leaders who provide tremendous insight. Our team—every member— is not shy, and the collaborative approach we take with each client carries over into all areas.

It’s always good to have that outside perspective. That voice of experience. Those fresh eyes. The wisdom of someone trained in your area. That is the role of a good consultant—not only to be that objective voice that can speak to you and others (and conduct unbiased research and analysis), but to bring needed expertise and experience.

Here are seven ways you can see more clearly the challenges and opportunities ahead for you and your nonprofit:

1. Create a climate where those you work with can always provide constructive feedback and share their opinions.
2. Seek mentors with the temperament and wisdom to provide wise counsel.
3. Create a mastermind group of peers or aspirational professionals who meet regularly to share successes and challenges in confidence.
4. Hire a consultant to help as you encounter specific areas of professional need.
5. Be a mentor to others—in doing so you will find incredible growth.
6. Be an avid reader on nonprofit topics and those most pertinent to your role.
7. Find professionals to help you if you need personal development—and I believe we all do!

Having clearer vision can be life changing—and sometimes even lifesaving. Be sure that you are in focus and on focus with the priorities you have set to help your nonprofit soar.