Insight, new energy, and possibility are a few benefits of engaging with a good coach. 

Are you an executive director of a nonprofit? Or an executive staff member? Coaching can be a game changer for you and your nonprofit.

The big question is, are you coachable?

I have coached many ED’s and board members, and can say with authority that it works and often gets quick and long term results.

That is not always the case, of course. The coach needs to be a good fit for you and you need to be ready and committed to yourself and your career as a nonprofit leader.

Are you ready for coaching?

Though most everyone on the planet would benefit from coaching, it may not be good timing for some.

To determine if coaching is for you at this time, review the statements below and see how well they describe you.

• I’m open to new ideas and possibilities.
• I value outside perspectives on myself and my work.
• I’m not looking for a silver bullet or someone to come in and “fix it”.
• I know I don’t have all the answers.
• I’m ready to make some changes.
• I own the results I’m getting for my nonprofit.

If most of these statements describe you, coaching may be the ticket to a more effective and satisfying experience in your role, at work and at home.

Why do nonprofits insist on lagging behind?

Coaching has become a standard practice in the corporate sector.

Why do nonprofits insist on lagging behind in the areas of professional and leadership development? 

I know…there’s no time or money for that kind of luxury.

I beg to differ.

What about the money that is wasted on all kinds of things that we tend to turn a blind eye to?

Events that didn’t work, appeals that raised less than they could have if they were done correctly.

And the biggest waste of all – the monumental expense of unnecessary turnover.

These are all examples of money spent that the organization “didn’t have”.

Coaching doesn’t fix everything. What it can do is move a hardworking, motivated person forward. When we see possibility everything changes. 

5 reasons coaching is a no-brainer for nonprofit execs

1. Learn valuable new skills and knowledge that you can use to lead your nonprofit and advance your career.
2. Increase your energy and feel supported and encouraged by someone who’s objective and an expert in the field.
3. Identify your blind spots. Of really, oops.
4. Experience the pride and satisfaction that come with surmounting challenges.
5. Build confidence and learn that you have what it takes to DIY.

Don’t wait for a crisis

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could improve the quality of your work life, raise more money, and whip the board into shape before you hit a wall? Or become jaded.

Maybe a little exaggerated, but close. 

I encourage you to give thought to whether coaching is right for you. If what you’ve read resonates, go for it. 

Tricia Dell is a fundraising coach, facilitator, and strategist for nonprofit organizations. Learn more at triciadell.com and follow her on twitter @triciadell.

If this post resonated with you, please Tweet, Pin, or share on LinkedIn or Facebook and help spread the message.