For managers and leaders to be successful in today's environment, it's critical that they make the shift from command and control or carrots and sticks management to a new practice. The old paradigm focused on and valued stability, control, competition, and uniformity where the leader was considered the hero and expert.
In today's environment where the pace of change is so frenetic and the scope so great, even the change management conversation has shifted. Just managing change isn't good enough as we've seen by so many failed change attempts. Leaders as change agents are starting to see critical the human factor is in the equation. Many leaders knew that the human factor was important, however to survive in today's environment, these change agents are moving from knowing it to getting it.
To be successful in today's environment, leaders need to focus on and value agility (not just resilience), employee empowerment, collaboration, and diversity. The leaders much become more humble in their approach and practice the tenets of servant leadership by instilling purpose, exhibiting transparency and looking at a longer range vision that will be sustainable.
This paradigm shift will help move an organization past the accountability conversation to a conversation that promotes and fosters individual ownership.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Accountability versus Ownership
Leaders and managers are often asked to be accountable and hold their employees accountable. I think from command and control leadership through our reality today, the accountability conversation is a constant theme. As a professor and consultant, I'm regularly approached with questions about how to enhance the level of accountability in a team or organization.
As we talk about accountability, we often talk about role clarity, setting expectations, measuring feedback, performance evaluation, rewards, recognition as well as consequences. Pretty straight forward and typical of the Management 101 conversation.
Yet how often do we balance the accountability conversation with the idea of ownership? As managers we hold our employees and ourselves accountable. However, our employees choose to be an owner. As much as we might use a carrot and stick approach in our management or leadership style. That approach will only get us accountability, but what about a sense of ownership. As I look at organizations in the for-profit, nonprofit and public sectors, I often see managers who strive to have a team that has ownership, but only succeed in getting a team that is accountable (if that). So what does ownership look like? An employee who demonstrates a sense of ownership will often experience a sense of challenge, connection, collaboration, autonomy, choice, opportunity, meaning, fun and passion for the work.
In my work as a career coach, I see these ownership characteristics played out as an extension of one's values. For the values-driven professional, these are non-negotiables. In a sense, the manager who connects to the extrinsic conversation will only get an employee who exhibits a surface level commitment to the organization. It is the manager who connects to an employee's intrinsic needs and values will begin to have a team of employees who demonstrate ownership and operate at a sustainable 100%.
As we talk about accountability, we often talk about role clarity, setting expectations, measuring feedback, performance evaluation, rewards, recognition as well as consequences. Pretty straight forward and typical of the Management 101 conversation.
Yet how often do we balance the accountability conversation with the idea of ownership? As managers we hold our employees and ourselves accountable. However, our employees choose to be an owner. As much as we might use a carrot and stick approach in our management or leadership style. That approach will only get us accountability, but what about a sense of ownership. As I look at organizations in the for-profit, nonprofit and public sectors, I often see managers who strive to have a team that has ownership, but only succeed in getting a team that is accountable (if that). So what does ownership look like? An employee who demonstrates a sense of ownership will often experience a sense of challenge, connection, collaboration, autonomy, choice, opportunity, meaning, fun and passion for the work.
In my work as a career coach, I see these ownership characteristics played out as an extension of one's values. For the values-driven professional, these are non-negotiables. In a sense, the manager who connects to the extrinsic conversation will only get an employee who exhibits a surface level commitment to the organization. It is the manager who connects to an employee's intrinsic needs and values will begin to have a team of employees who demonstrate ownership and operate at a sustainable 100%.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Possible Avenues for the Values-Driven Pro
There are a number of avenues to explore when thinking about a values-driven career path. Job seekers who want to pursue this path might consider:
- Joining a for-profit enterprise that is known for its corporate social responsibility initiatives and has created an organizational culture that supports the values-driven professional.
- Pursuing a career in corporate social responsibility and/or sustainability to help organizations “walk the talk” as they become “good neighbors” in their communities, for their employees, and for their customers.
- Reframing your current career to incorporate more activities that speak to your values which might include mentoring, training others, or providing additional support to your “clients” for an enriched customer experience.
- Consulting or teaching organizational best practices to emerging leaders, social-ventures, existing non-profits and government agencies as well as corporations that are committed to addressing the growing challenges in our society.
- Becoming a social-entrepreneur by starting or joining a social-venture that has crafted a mission beyond merely making a profit.
- Applying skills and talents developed in the for-profit sector to government and non-profit roles as both sectors continue to grow and evolve and require more advanced skills and abilities.
- Embarking on a significant career change where there is growing demand for qualified professionals to make a difference (i.e., healthcare, education, social services, alternative energy, environmental, etc.).
- Exploring opportunities within the government as demand for talented professionals will continue to increase in response to the change in administration, the retirement of many current government employees, and the redirection of many of the administrations initiatives.
- Enrolling in further education in management at any number of programs for Socially-Responsible MBAs, Public Administration, Non-Profit Management, Education, or Public Health to name a few.
- Joining a for-profit enterprise that is known for its corporate social responsibility initiatives and has created an organizational culture that supports the values-driven professional.
- Pursuing a career in corporate social responsibility and/or sustainability to help organizations “walk the talk” as they become “good neighbors” in their communities, for their employees, and for their customers.
- Reframing your current career to incorporate more activities that speak to your values which might include mentoring, training others, or providing additional support to your “clients” for an enriched customer experience.
- Consulting or teaching organizational best practices to emerging leaders, social-ventures, existing non-profits and government agencies as well as corporations that are committed to addressing the growing challenges in our society.
- Becoming a social-entrepreneur by starting or joining a social-venture that has crafted a mission beyond merely making a profit.
- Applying skills and talents developed in the for-profit sector to government and non-profit roles as both sectors continue to grow and evolve and require more advanced skills and abilities.
- Embarking on a significant career change where there is growing demand for qualified professionals to make a difference (i.e., healthcare, education, social services, alternative energy, environmental, etc.).
- Exploring opportunities within the government as demand for talented professionals will continue to increase in response to the change in administration, the retirement of many current government employees, and the redirection of many of the administrations initiatives.
- Enrolling in further education in management at any number of programs for Socially-Responsible MBAs, Public Administration, Non-Profit Management, Education, or Public Health to name a few.
Trends Creating Opportunities for Values-Driven Professionals
Through my research, I've identified a number of trends that continue to emerge that support career opportunities for values-driven professionals.
The current administration supports, and is providing funding to, a number of socially-conscious initiatives around such issues as economic development, job growth, healthcare efficiency and accessibility, alternative energy and climate change, and education quality.
The sustainability and social entrepreneurship movements continue to strengthen and grow within the for-profit sector as another channel to address social challenges.
Cross-sector alliances are growing, namely among for-profit and non-profit organizations, to address the growing social challenges facing our nation.
Non-profits need more organizationally savvy “experts” who can help address the demands for increased accountability, enhanced management, and the increased number of cross-sector alliances and partnerships.
Non-profits continue to explore new channels of revenue that supplement traditional fundraising initiatives and funding streams from government and foundation relationships.
Consumers and top talent are demanding that organizations “walk the talk” with regard to their corporate social responsibility initiatives as more than public affairs campaigns.
While retirement plans may have changed for many as a result of the latest economic conditions, there will be still be more opportunities to grow and advance within values-based careers as more leaders and professionals retire from their current roles.
The current administration supports, and is providing funding to, a number of socially-conscious initiatives around such issues as economic development, job growth, healthcare efficiency and accessibility, alternative energy and climate change, and education quality.
The sustainability and social entrepreneurship movements continue to strengthen and grow within the for-profit sector as another channel to address social challenges.
Cross-sector alliances are growing, namely among for-profit and non-profit organizations, to address the growing social challenges facing our nation.
Non-profits need more organizationally savvy “experts” who can help address the demands for increased accountability, enhanced management, and the increased number of cross-sector alliances and partnerships.
Non-profits continue to explore new channels of revenue that supplement traditional fundraising initiatives and funding streams from government and foundation relationships.
Consumers and top talent are demanding that organizations “walk the talk” with regard to their corporate social responsibility initiatives as more than public affairs campaigns.
While retirement plans may have changed for many as a result of the latest economic conditions, there will be still be more opportunities to grow and advance within values-based careers as more leaders and professionals retire from their current roles.
Key Competencies for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Roles
As we examine career possibilities for the values-based professional, the field of corporate social responsibility is beginning to take shape as an emerging career option to consider. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) integrates into business strategies the issues of the workplace, community, and market place into one.
In recent studies, the following competencies were identified as desirable for professionals pursuing CSR roles:
Understanding Societal Needs:
Examining the challenges facing our society combined with the realistic knowledge of the impact of organizations on their communities. Based on this information, creating solutions that organizations can take to address societal issues and needs.
Building Organizational Capacity:
Strengthening the abilities of the organizations in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and leadership capability and growth.
Challenging the Status Quo:
Adapting to the realities of a changing environment and creating organizational capabilities for flexibility, resilience and sustainability.
Stakeholder Relations:
Identifying and considering the needs of all organizational stakeholders. Building collaboration among stakeholders and making decisions that take into consideration of the potential impact on stakeholders.
Strategic View:
Considering the long-term implications of decisions on all stakeholders that encompass the organization, community, and society at large. Enhance strategic thinking capabilities among employees to support strengthened decision making.
Harnessing Diversity:
Appreciating the differences among a cross-cultural workforce. Leveraging this diversity to make more informed decisions that are sensitive to the cultural nuances that help create buy-in and support for initiatives that support the greater good.
In recent studies, the following competencies were identified as desirable for professionals pursuing CSR roles:
Understanding Societal Needs:
Examining the challenges facing our society combined with the realistic knowledge of the impact of organizations on their communities. Based on this information, creating solutions that organizations can take to address societal issues and needs.
Building Organizational Capacity:
Strengthening the abilities of the organizations in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and leadership capability and growth.
Challenging the Status Quo:
Adapting to the realities of a changing environment and creating organizational capabilities for flexibility, resilience and sustainability.
Stakeholder Relations:
Identifying and considering the needs of all organizational stakeholders. Building collaboration among stakeholders and making decisions that take into consideration of the potential impact on stakeholders.
Strategic View:
Considering the long-term implications of decisions on all stakeholders that encompass the organization, community, and society at large. Enhance strategic thinking capabilities among employees to support strengthened decision making.
Harnessing Diversity:
Appreciating the differences among a cross-cultural workforce. Leveraging this diversity to make more informed decisions that are sensitive to the cultural nuances that help create buy-in and support for initiatives that support the greater good.
Making the Transition: Join a Board
Another way that you might consider volunteering is to join a board. Board membership is a very different type of volunteering that often requires a greater level of commitment and decision making. However, all non-profits are required to have boards in order to keep their non-profit status with the government. Given the number of non-profits there are always organizations looking for good board members.
Board membership often provides you with the opportunity to more directly provide your level of expertise whether it is in finance, fundraising, marketing, human resources, technology, or general leadership. An important differentiator for board membership is the fact that as a member you are held to a higher standard as well as a certain level of accountability and liability for the non-profit to carry out its mission.
- The advantages of board membership are numerous including:
- The level of exposure that you have to other members of the community committed to the cause
- The amount of input that you can provide into the decisions impact the future of the organization
- Knowledge of the inner workings of a non-profit to better understand how you can make a contribution
- Direct impact on the organization based on your level of knowledge, commitment and level of contribution
- Demonstrated leadership around the cause that is so important to you which will further help to tell your story to future employers
Board membership often provides you with the opportunity to more directly provide your level of expertise whether it is in finance, fundraising, marketing, human resources, technology, or general leadership. An important differentiator for board membership is the fact that as a member you are held to a higher standard as well as a certain level of accountability and liability for the non-profit to carry out its mission.
- The advantages of board membership are numerous including:
- The level of exposure that you have to other members of the community committed to the cause
- The amount of input that you can provide into the decisions impact the future of the organization
- Knowledge of the inner workings of a non-profit to better understand how you can make a contribution
- Direct impact on the organization based on your level of knowledge, commitment and level of contribution
- Demonstrated leadership around the cause that is so important to you which will further help to tell your story to future employers
Making the Transition: Begin to Volunteer
Volunteering can support your transition in many ways and there are a number of ways that you can volunteer. A great way to find volunteer opportunities are through the websites of the non-profits that interest you, networking with other volunteers or staff of non-profits, or through websites like www.idealist.org.
As you think about volunteering, consider in what capacity you’d like to volunteer, the amount of time you would like to volunteer, and if you want to be out front or behind the scenes. Non-profits are always looking for volunteers who are committed and willing to provide their time on a regular basis. Often the folks on the front lines offering direct service can use assistance from volunteers as well as the behind the scenes departments such as marketing, fundraising, and events coordination.
Volunteering can help tell your story both on your resume and in the interview. These experiences demonstrate your commitment to the cause and help to illustrate the ways that you want to make a contribution. Volunteering also provides you with numerous opportunities to connect with other volunteers and staff members from the non-profits themselves.
As you think about volunteering, consider in what capacity you’d like to volunteer, the amount of time you would like to volunteer, and if you want to be out front or behind the scenes. Non-profits are always looking for volunteers who are committed and willing to provide their time on a regular basis. Often the folks on the front lines offering direct service can use assistance from volunteers as well as the behind the scenes departments such as marketing, fundraising, and events coordination.
Volunteering can help tell your story both on your resume and in the interview. These experiences demonstrate your commitment to the cause and help to illustrate the ways that you want to make a contribution. Volunteering also provides you with numerous opportunities to connect with other volunteers and staff members from the non-profits themselves.
Making the Transition: Enhance Your Visibility
First and foremost begin to congregate and gain visibility among those who share a passion for the cause(s) you’ve identified. There are a number of ways that you can enhance your visibility including the following:
- Attend fundraisers (including marches) of the non-profit organizations who have a mission that specifically speaks to your desired cause.
- If cost is an issue, offer to volunteer in some capacity at the fundraiser. Often you can find out more by contacting the volunteer coordinator or development office of the non-profit.
- Attend speaking events, panel discussions or symposiums sponsored by local colleges or larger non-profits/foundations who are addressing topics specific to your cause.
- Join LinkedIn or Facebook groups that speak to the specific cause and then engage in online discussions. Find ways to connect in-person with members from the social networking groups.
As you begin to swim in the pond with like-minded individuals, remember that this process can take some time. From my experience, it can take a few encounters to really connect with others dedicated to your cause. Once you have demonstrated your own commitment to the cause, you’ll start to engage with other familiar faces and create your own “in-group” dynamic with others who share your cause.
- Attend fundraisers (including marches) of the non-profit organizations who have a mission that specifically speaks to your desired cause.
- If cost is an issue, offer to volunteer in some capacity at the fundraiser. Often you can find out more by contacting the volunteer coordinator or development office of the non-profit.
- Attend speaking events, panel discussions or symposiums sponsored by local colleges or larger non-profits/foundations who are addressing topics specific to your cause.
- Join LinkedIn or Facebook groups that speak to the specific cause and then engage in online discussions. Find ways to connect in-person with members from the social networking groups.
As you begin to swim in the pond with like-minded individuals, remember that this process can take some time. From my experience, it can take a few encounters to really connect with others dedicated to your cause. Once you have demonstrated your own commitment to the cause, you’ll start to engage with other familiar faces and create your own “in-group” dynamic with others who share your cause.
Six Steps to Choosing a Values-based career
I often talk about the steps required to pursue a values-based career. The steps that I normally mention in my speaking engagements include:
1) Identify the cause(s)/issue(s) you are passionate about
First and foremost consider the issues that resonate the most for you. While mission-driven organizations are interested in learning about your talents and abilities, they are equally interested in hearing about your passion for the cause. Often typical causes can fall into one of the following categories: Advocacy and community development; Arts, culture, and humanities; Business, professional, and trade associations; Environment, nature, and conservation; Education (pre-K, k-12, college/university, continuing education); Foundations, grantmaking, and philanthropy; Health and science; Human and social services; and Religious and faith-based organizations.
2) Research the organizations that are committed to the cause
Once you’ve clarified the cause(s) that you are interested in pursuing, you should start to research the organizations that are driven by a mission related to the cause. There are a variety of organizations that might connect to the mission including, to name a few: Traditional non-profits; Family, private, and corporate foundations; Government agencies; Academic institutes; and Corporate/non-profit alliances.
Create a list of as many organizations as you can who are driven by the mission you are interested in pursuing and classify the types of organizations you are finding. As part of your research, examine the services, programs and initiatives that the organizations are providing to their communities. Begin to take note of the languages they are using to describe their services as well as the individuals who are well known with the cause.
A good starting point to learn more about the organizations that are committed to your cause might be the Foundation Center, which has offices throughout the country.
3) Articulate the impact that you want to make
As you reflect on your research that you are conducting, begin to think about the type of impact you want to make. Many options exist for making a contribution. Begin to consider if you are more interested in: Philanthropy (providing funds); Direct service; Lobbying and advocacy; Support and capacity-building building alliances within membership organizations.
The socially-minded career path can take many forms, but the first place to start is identifying what organizations currently exist or where there is a gap.
4) Network with those who share your passion
After you’ve identified/narrowed down the cause(s) that you are passionate about, iIt is critical that you begin to swim in the ponds with like minded individuals who share your passions. Attending fundraisers, service-related events or symposiums on pressing issues for your cause can be great ways to begin to learn the players in the arena. Often, the players will come from a variety of organizations and span the sectors. These events often provide more opportunities for authentic networking as you are connecting via your values and common interests rather than pure job/career networking.
5) Translate your abilities into terms that are understandable to the sector/organization
As you continue to research the organizations catering to your cause and the individuals who are instrumental in making a difference in your area of interest, you’ll begin to learn the jobs, responsibilities, language and pressing issues facing the cause. Take note of the information you are finding and begin to conduct your own gap analysis of what’s required compared to your own talents, abilities, and skills. Take note of the language being used to begin to explore how your experience directly translates to the field (i.e., sales equates to fundraising and development/public relations can translate to corporate social responsibility).
6) Get experiences that strengthen your portfolio of skills and competencies
There are a number of ways to gain experience to begin your transition process. Two easy ways to get exposure to the field you are interested in could include:
- Volunteering at an administrative level or in a direct service capacity
- Joining a board
- Getting an internship around the initiatives that directly relate to your cause
- Volunteering your services to a non-profit on a pro-bono basis if you have professional experience in a particular field
- Becoming involved in your employer's social responsibility function's activities and initiatives if you work in a company which has a corporate responsibility function
- Building your resume with volunteer, pro-bono, or intern experiences can complement your story and begin to demonstrate your passion to the cause that inspires you.
The key to this transition is getting exposure among the individuals who are making a difference in the field. The more exposure that you gain and the more you understand around the specifics of the sector and the cause, the more trust and good-will you will create. While many non-profits see the value in the abilities that professionals from the for-profit world can bring, there is often a resistance to opening the door until the for-profit professional making the transition has proven his/her commitment to the non-profit sector. These transitions are rarely quick or easy, but if you are willing to demonstrate your commitment to the cause, you’ll often find that you’ve made a decision that provides many intrinsic rewards.
1) Identify the cause(s)/issue(s) you are passionate about
First and foremost consider the issues that resonate the most for you. While mission-driven organizations are interested in learning about your talents and abilities, they are equally interested in hearing about your passion for the cause. Often typical causes can fall into one of the following categories: Advocacy and community development; Arts, culture, and humanities; Business, professional, and trade associations; Environment, nature, and conservation; Education (pre-K, k-12, college/university, continuing education); Foundations, grantmaking, and philanthropy; Health and science; Human and social services; and Religious and faith-based organizations.
2) Research the organizations that are committed to the cause
Once you’ve clarified the cause(s) that you are interested in pursuing, you should start to research the organizations that are driven by a mission related to the cause. There are a variety of organizations that might connect to the mission including, to name a few: Traditional non-profits; Family, private, and corporate foundations; Government agencies; Academic institutes; and Corporate/non-profit alliances.
Create a list of as many organizations as you can who are driven by the mission you are interested in pursuing and classify the types of organizations you are finding. As part of your research, examine the services, programs and initiatives that the organizations are providing to their communities. Begin to take note of the languages they are using to describe their services as well as the individuals who are well known with the cause.
A good starting point to learn more about the organizations that are committed to your cause might be the Foundation Center, which has offices throughout the country.
3) Articulate the impact that you want to make
As you reflect on your research that you are conducting, begin to think about the type of impact you want to make. Many options exist for making a contribution. Begin to consider if you are more interested in: Philanthropy (providing funds); Direct service; Lobbying and advocacy; Support and capacity-building building alliances within membership organizations.
The socially-minded career path can take many forms, but the first place to start is identifying what organizations currently exist or where there is a gap.
4) Network with those who share your passion
After you’ve identified/narrowed down the cause(s) that you are passionate about, iIt is critical that you begin to swim in the ponds with like minded individuals who share your passions. Attending fundraisers, service-related events or symposiums on pressing issues for your cause can be great ways to begin to learn the players in the arena. Often, the players will come from a variety of organizations and span the sectors. These events often provide more opportunities for authentic networking as you are connecting via your values and common interests rather than pure job/career networking.
5) Translate your abilities into terms that are understandable to the sector/organization
As you continue to research the organizations catering to your cause and the individuals who are instrumental in making a difference in your area of interest, you’ll begin to learn the jobs, responsibilities, language and pressing issues facing the cause. Take note of the information you are finding and begin to conduct your own gap analysis of what’s required compared to your own talents, abilities, and skills. Take note of the language being used to begin to explore how your experience directly translates to the field (i.e., sales equates to fundraising and development/public relations can translate to corporate social responsibility).
6) Get experiences that strengthen your portfolio of skills and competencies
There are a number of ways to gain experience to begin your transition process. Two easy ways to get exposure to the field you are interested in could include:
- Volunteering at an administrative level or in a direct service capacity
- Joining a board
- Getting an internship around the initiatives that directly relate to your cause
- Volunteering your services to a non-profit on a pro-bono basis if you have professional experience in a particular field
- Becoming involved in your employer's social responsibility function's activities and initiatives if you work in a company which has a corporate responsibility function
- Building your resume with volunteer, pro-bono, or intern experiences can complement your story and begin to demonstrate your passion to the cause that inspires you.
The key to this transition is getting exposure among the individuals who are making a difference in the field. The more exposure that you gain and the more you understand around the specifics of the sector and the cause, the more trust and good-will you will create. While many non-profits see the value in the abilities that professionals from the for-profit world can bring, there is often a resistance to opening the door until the for-profit professional making the transition has proven his/her commitment to the non-profit sector. These transitions are rarely quick or easy, but if you are willing to demonstrate your commitment to the cause, you’ll often find that you’ve made a decision that provides many intrinsic rewards.
Boerum Consulting's Five Year Anniversary
On June 5, 2005, I launched Boerum Consulting as a career and talent management consulting practice. Since launching, there have been a number of highs and lows. Thankfully, the highs have outweighed the lows, but it has been a challenging journey as any other independent consultant/practice (firm) owner will tell you.
Today, Boerum Consulting has refined it's mission, developed a number of viable partnerships, and serves the organizational and professional development needs of a mission-driven organizations and values-driven professionals. To support my mission, I've leveraged my experience as an adjunct faculty member at Cornell University, Baruch College, the Graduate Center and New York University. As of this week, I've just joined the faculty of NYU's Wagner School of Public Service as an adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Administration.
Over the years, I've helped hundreds of private coaching clients, college students, and organizations through my coaching, teaching and coaching around the issues of Organization Behavior, Organizational Change, Leadership, and Social Responsibility.
For the next five years, I plan to continue to leverage my relationships with other like-minded consultants and coaches committed to the professional development needs of values-driven professionals and mission-driven organizations. Through blogging, articles, and speaking engagements, I hope to deepen the development conversation for values-driven pros. As a new member of the faculty at NYU Wagner, I hope to become a valued contributor to the learning community as a way to support the next generation of values-driven professionals. As a consultant, I hope to have the opportunity to help Executive Directors and nonprofit boards strengthen their nonprofits, while helping to forge stronger alliances between the for-profit, nonprofit and public sectors. As a coach, I hope to help values-driven professionals clarify their professional purpose and define a path for moving ahead. At the same time, I hope to help emerging leaders strengthen their skills to grow and develop as formidable champions for a better and more sustainable tomorrow.
Today, Boerum Consulting has refined it's mission, developed a number of viable partnerships, and serves the organizational and professional development needs of a mission-driven organizations and values-driven professionals. To support my mission, I've leveraged my experience as an adjunct faculty member at Cornell University, Baruch College, the Graduate Center and New York University. As of this week, I've just joined the faculty of NYU's Wagner School of Public Service as an adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Administration.
Over the years, I've helped hundreds of private coaching clients, college students, and organizations through my coaching, teaching and coaching around the issues of Organization Behavior, Organizational Change, Leadership, and Social Responsibility.
For the next five years, I plan to continue to leverage my relationships with other like-minded consultants and coaches committed to the professional development needs of values-driven professionals and mission-driven organizations. Through blogging, articles, and speaking engagements, I hope to deepen the development conversation for values-driven pros. As a new member of the faculty at NYU Wagner, I hope to become a valued contributor to the learning community as a way to support the next generation of values-driven professionals. As a consultant, I hope to have the opportunity to help Executive Directors and nonprofit boards strengthen their nonprofits, while helping to forge stronger alliances between the for-profit, nonprofit and public sectors. As a coach, I hope to help values-driven professionals clarify their professional purpose and define a path for moving ahead. At the same time, I hope to help emerging leaders strengthen their skills to grow and develop as formidable champions for a better and more sustainable tomorrow.
What is a "Values-Driven Pro?"
I decided to focus my practice a number of years ago. I had been a career coach for a year or two and I started to notice that certain clients stood out for me more than others. I was compelled to certain conversations and turned off to others. This was a period of time where I was a bit confused. When I started my coaching practice, I was catering to Gen X and Y clients, which is still a large part of my practice. However, I soon realized that I was still working with a population that was too large and something wasn't working for me entirely. So I took a sample of the hundred or so clients that I had worked with and divided them up into three categories: 1) Most successful and enjoyable, 2) Moderately successful and enjoyable, and 3) Least successful and enjoyable. I then look at the themes that I could glean from categories one and three. What I found was a bit surprising. All of my clients in category one were mission-driven. They came to me asking for help to find careers that were more meaningful, where they could make a difference. I also found a kernel in category three - the clients who wanted to make more money or be more "successful." I couldn't really relate to this latter conversation. So began a new path in my own journey, supporting the clients where I could be most effective - career and leadership development for values-driven professionals.
From over seven years of coaching this population, I define a "values-driven pro" as someone who is:
- aware of his/her core values
- intrinsically driven to make a difference based on those values
- intellectually curious to examine the root causes of social challenges
- ready to challenge conventional thinking by asking the tough questions
- resourceful and creative in transforming ideas into social innovation
- open to the journey that transcends self interest to a journey of service
From over seven years of coaching this population, I define a "values-driven pro" as someone who is:
- aware of his/her core values
- intrinsically driven to make a difference based on those values
- intellectually curious to examine the root causes of social challenges
- ready to challenge conventional thinking by asking the tough questions
- resourceful and creative in transforming ideas into social innovation
- open to the journey that transcends self interest to a journey of service
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