If George Washington Was a Nonprofit Leader...

If George Washington had been a nonprofit leader, what type of leader would he have been?  This may seem like an odd question, but it is precisely the question that was running through my head as I recently listened to the podcast “Presidential,” produced by the Washington Post.  In the episode focused on President Washington, the podcast host and her guests discussed the leadership and legacy of the nation’s first President.  I was struck by the similarity of many of the themes discussed to nonprofit leadership.  With President’s Day around the corner, I thought I’d highlight a few of these themes.

• Flexible Leadership

Washington, who had so famously served as the Commander of the Continental Army, found himself facing a very different leadership challenge as the first President of the United States.  The circumstances of the moment and the challenge required different leadership skills -- skills of listening, persuading, and even consoling.  Like Washington, highly effective nonprofit leaders demonstrate situational awareness, and flex their leadership style to match the needs of the moment, while remaining true to their core values.  

• “What is the next stage of good?”

Having led the country through the Revolutionary War period, Washington understood that developing a compelling vision for the new United States was vital.  A question he reportedly asked frequently was “What is the next stage of good?”  I love this question!  I hear nonprofit leaders discussing variations of this question with their Board and staff team at each retreat I facilitate and certainly during every strategic planning process.  All good plans proceed from a group’s collective embracing of the “next stage of good” for the organization.

• Authentic self awareness

When we envision President Washington, the image that frequently comes to mind is the face on Mount Rushmore.  Commanding, determined, and confident.  In reality, Washington frequently experienced self-doubt.  He was uniquely comfortable speaking about these doubts publicly as he firmly believed people would see this as a strength of his character, not a weakness or flaw.  Having served as a nonprofit executive and now in coaching nonprofit leaders, I know how common these doubts are, and how valuable authentic self awareness can be.

• Know when to walk away.

For all that George Washington accomplished, perhaps his signature achievement was stepping away from the Presidency at the conclusion of his second term.  Had Washington desired, he could have sought a third term and perhaps won.  However, he recognized the symbolic and tangible importance of not establishing a monarchy, of walking away in service to a greater good.  Similarly, the wise nonprofit leader recognizes the importance of a succession and transition plan, regardless of the stage of their career.  

George Washington was certainly not a perfect leader, none of us are.  However, he demonstrated many of the same skills and competencies I see reflected so frequently in nonprofit leaders.  So, as we celebrate President’s Day next month, don’t be afraid to pause and be kind to yourself with a pat on the back for the leadership you provide to our communities each day!