Clarity is kind: A key to effective leadership
Managing people is challenging in any context, but nonprofit fundraising adds a unique layer of complexity. The stakes are high, the timelines are often tight and the resources can be limited.
One way leaders can support their teams is through clarity.
Too often I see nonprofit teams bogged down by unclear expectations, shifting priorities and vague deadlines. This lack of clarity makes for confusion, frustration and inefficiency.
The irony is that many managers I know lean into ambiguity in an effort to be kind to their teams. They avoid setting firm key performance indicators or deadlines, believing it will reduce pressure and foster flexibility. But in reality, this approach often backfires. Without clear direction, team members feel adrift, unsure of their priorities and anxious about whether they’re meeting expectations. The very ambiguity intended to ease stress ends up amplifying it.
When clarity is present, something important happens. People stop worrying about whether they’re doing the “right” thing and start doing their best work. They know:
- What success looks like.
- How their efforts contribute to the success.
- What’s expected of them and when.
There are tons of management experts who understand this better than I do. But three simple ways I approach management are by:
1. Setting SMART Goals – Every goal should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “Let’s engage more donors,” try, “Let’s add 250 monthly donors through an out-bound campaign by June 30.”
2. Defining Roles and Responsibilities – Avoid the dreaded “everyone is responsible” trap. Assign clear ownership for tasks and decisions, and make sure everyone understands how their role fits into the bigger picture.
3. Communicate Often – Regular check-ins, progress updates, and open lines of communication help maintain alignment and address issues before they escalate.
Clarity is more than just a management tool; it’s a demonstration of respect for your team’s time, energy and potential. When a team knows exactly where they’re headed and how they want to get there, they’re not working harder – they’re working better.
Clarity is more than just a management tool; it’s a demonstration of respect for your team’s time, energy and potential. When a team knows exactly where they’re headed and how they want to get there, they’re not working harder – they’re working better.
In the end, clarity isn’t just kind; it’s transformative.