When you build trust within your team or network, you reinforce your organization’s real value, build credibility and motivate individuals to remain engaged. But, as a nonprofit leader, how do you *actually* build that trust across a broad reaching staff or network of members? Do you really need to do trust falls?

If you’re looking for innovation, new ideas, a burst of creativity, here’s a simple script to get you on the path.

Everyone gets stuck sometime. Use microsteps to get unstuck in your leadership. Download the fillable microstep action plan template to get started.

What a fun, upbeat conversation with the “tenaciously optimistic” Meg Pitman from Boys and Girls Clubs of America. As a smart nonprofit leader, Meg rejects hierarchical team structures and has gone all-in with a flat leadership style. It has paid off! Meg and team are making a lasting impact with quality youth development initiatives.

While the culture of our organizations, our political systems, our education systems, our corporations continually place responsibility, burden and blame on individuals in positions of leadership, fulfilling your purpose on this planet is not a solo act. We were never meant to do this alone.

It is always a pleasure to speak with Shawna Rosenzweig from Camp Fire, a relentless leader in her pursuit of equity and justice. In our conversation, Shawna reflected on her personal journey leading nonprofit, youth development organizations. She returned again and again to the key to success and a renewable source of energy for her: relationships.

Do you really need step by step directions to be an effective leader?

What a joy to speak with Penn Sheppard from Girls Inc. Driven by passion, Penn has led girl-centered nonprofit work for 40 years. In our interview, she shares her core philosophies that have kept her motivated and making an impact over time. She also discusses the key to navigating the toughest challenge she’s faced: navigating change.

There are four key actions you can take right now to boost the quality of your virtual meetings. Check them out here!

We all need new ideas, new connections and new energy to lead us into this next year. Reignite your interest in other programs and people by actively connecting to others in out-of-school time. Your professional network will offer you support and connection when the going gets tough… and it’s been tough! So, now’s a good time to gather together to build, heal and connect.

As a leader in the field, you may already be doing these things. If you’re not, try them. If you are, consider how you could share these steps with staff on your team. Help them grow their professional networks.

As the new program year begins, it’s important staff build positive relationships with young people. Share these basic tips with your team to get started.

Over the past 18 months, everyone has become more comfortable online. People who formerly preferred conference calls and didn’t own a webcam became adept at seeing themselves on camera and even using emoji reactions. Let’s build upon that progress and improve your meeting facilitation so every virtual participant feels like your online meetings are a good use of time.