Succeeding as a leader is not always straight-forward. Unlike many other competency areas that require a specific skill set that can be gained through education (like financial management), effective leadership requires “soft” skills (also known as essential leadership skills). This is less about your straight knowledge and more about understanding complicated organizational and interpersonal dynamics. The best way to ensure you are setting yourself up for success is to adopt two mindsets. The first is continuous learning. The most successful leaders have a voracious appetite for learning new skills and developing their leadership capacity. The second is building professional networks. We know that a well-networked leader is a more successful leader. It is critical that you are building your ability to build those networks. Networks that will serve you today and for years to come.
Requirement: Conference, networking, career services
Eligibility: You may complete the leadership experience requirement at any time.
How: If you attend Elevate, the virtual conference hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, the three requirements listed below will be met. Elevate 2021 will take place February 24-26, 2021. You will be required to earn the digital badge when attending Elevate.
If you do not attend Elevate, you must complete “Leadership Development in Practice” and meet the three requirements listed below. We include examples of what networking and collaboration and career exploration experiences can look like. Pick one experience from the list that best suits you!
Leadership Development Requirements
1) Professional development: Attend a national conference focusing on the nonprofit sector.
2) Networking and collaboration (pick one):
- Attend a local networking event
- Connect with various online communities on CNP Central
- Complete APO Leads if you are an APO member
3) Career exploration (pick one):
- Take the DeBruce Agility Assessment (available at Elevate 2021!)
- Take part in Career L!FT Mentor Match!
- Sign up for informational interviews
- Sign up for resume review