Cultivating Collaborative Leadership in Nonprofits
In the nonprofit sector, collaboration is crucial for achieving our collective goals. Effective collaboration can drive meaningful change, maximize impact, and foster innovation. Collaborative leadership is especially important because nonprofits are community assets, and we, as leaders, are stewards of those resources. Here are some key insights on how to cultivate collaborative leadership at the individual, team, and organizational levels.
The Role of a Collaborative Leader
Collaborative leadership is about working cooperatively with others to achieve common goals. It involves engaging team members and stakeholders in decision-making processes and problem-solving, recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to more effective outcomes. A collaborative leader is inclusive, empowering, and communicates authentically and transparently. They demonstrate high emotional intelligence and are committed to continuous improvement.
Individual Collaborative Leadership
Collaborative leadership starts with the individual and it requires not only self-awareness but also vulnerability to create psychological safety within a team. Leaders who “walk the talk” by being open about their own growth areas foster trust and model the behavior they wish to see in others. Self-assessment exercises can help leaders identify their strengths and areas for development. One useful tool is the Building Blocks of Collaboration Assessment by the International Institute on Collaboration. This assessment helps individuals and teams define their current competencies in the five building blocks of collaboration: transformational leadership, facilitation, conflict resolution, self-awareness, and a predisposition towards collaboration.
Team Dynamics
Trust and communication are the cornerstones of a collaborative environment. Establishing shared norms and values, promoting accountability, and enhancing communication are essential steps in building trust within teams. One powerful way to develop team accountability at all levels is the “How do we want to be together” activity from the Organization and Relationship System Coaching (ORSC) model. This exercise encourages teams to co-create guidelines for working together, fostering a collective commitment to both individual and group accountability. Revisit these norms at the beginning of each meeting. Additional activities such as self-assessments and group discussions further support this process by helping team members identify their strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately building a culture of learning, trust, and growth.
Overcoming Challenges to Collaborative Environments
Collaborative environments are not without their challenges. Common obstacles include handling conflict, managing diverse perspectives, and maintaining accountability. Techniques such as leveraging emotional intelligence and developing strategies for handling conflict can help navigate these challenges effectively. One useful approach is to “seek first to understand, then to be understood,” a principle from Stephen Covey’s book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". Encouraging self-reflection and inviting team members to share insights can also foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Broader Organization
Creating a collaborative environment at the organizational level requires intentional effort. Start by applying collaborative leadership principles within your leadership team and then extend these practices to other teams in your organization. Self-assessments, skills assessments, and trust building activities are crucial for fostering collaboration. Encourage everyone in the organization to undertake the same self-assessments as the leadership. This not only helps build collaborative leadership but also provides valuable insights into potential future leaders. Transparency and clarity are key to building collaborative environments. Listening more than you talk, seeking out diverse voices, and viewing conflict as an opportunity to learn are all important practices. Equally important is finding “first followers” – those early adopters who embrace and model collaborative qualities. These first followers help build momentum, demonstrate the value of collaboration to others, and play a vital role in embedding these principles across the organization.
Moving Forward
At Mission + Strategy, we are committed to supporting nonprofits in their journey towards collaborative leadership. By working together, we can achieve greater impact and drive positive change in our communities. Remember, as leaders, what we say and do matters. Be intentional in building collaborative leadership into your management routines and consider how a facilitator can help guide this process.
Together, we are stronger.
If you’re interested in cultivating collaboration or need support in balancing your mission and business strategies, we’re here to help.
Mission + Strategy is an invested thought partner to your nonprofit organization. Through our Strategic Advising, Mergers & Partnerships, and Shared Back Office service solutions, we help nonprofits achieve alignment between their mission and business strategies.
