Relationships Are Nonprofit Leadership Assets

Discover how transforming relationships into transferable assets can revolutionize your nonprofit organization. This article dives deep into the concept of unrestricted relationships and provides practical strategies to maximize their potential, leading to increased resilience, longevity, and success. Don't miss out on this fresh perspective to unlock a powerful tool in your leadership toolkit!

Today you will learn:

In the vast landscape of nonprofits, the value of relationships can't be overstated. However, it is beneficial to shift our perspective and view relationships not just as important connections, but as actual assets for our organizations. These relationships can range from donors, staff members, volunteers, to board members, and their quality can significantly impact the value they bring.

The value a relationship brings can manifest in various ways:

When we consider donor relationships, their sense of contribution becomes crucial. Donors who feel that their financial help is making a significant impact are more likely to donate more. The value for them lies in the impact they are making, while the value for the organization lies in effectively using their donation to achieve results.

Beyond donor relationships, organizations also need to foster healthy relationships with their staff. Good relationships motivate staff members, making them more dedicated and more open about challenges in the organization. Embracing vulnerability, as espoused by Brené Brown, the expert on vulnerability, can improve business operations by helping to identify key challenges early on.

The importance of relationships also extends to stakeholders who have access to resources that your organization might need, such as politicians or individuals with access to funding sources.

However, not all relationships are created equal. Borrowing from the financial terminology of restricted and unrestricted assets, relationships can also fall under these categories:

For organizational longevity and resilience, it's vital to move from restricted to unrestricted relationships. Here's how you can ensure that:

A great example of this concept in action is an OB-GYN office where patients interact with every doctor in the practice rather than just one. This strategy ensures that the patient's relationship is with the practice as a whole, enhancing the care and overall experience.

In conclusion, as leaders of nonprofit organizations, it's crucial to not only strengthen and nurture our relationships but also make them unrestricted and transferable. By doing so, we can ensure the longevity and success of our organizations.