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Who is Going to Stop You?
Cara Barrett
I just read a very interesting article about how women lead differently. It made me smile, gave me hope and I knew in my gut it was true.
I spend a great deal of my time working with women leaders of all types, whether working to lead their homes, volunteering as leaders or leading companies and nonprofits. One of the main things I have learned is we women lead differently than men. I think we are as a gender just learning how to describe those differences and grow them for both our benefit and all those we lead.
According to Sydney Finkelstein in Why More Women Will Become CEOs, “At the risk of stereotyping 50 percent of the population – and this is backed up by some research – there are some central tendencies in the management styles of women versus men. Women tend to be more collaborative. They tend to work better in teams, and they tend to be better at communication.” As women continue to take on more leadership roles, our culture is bound to become more collaborative. This collaboration will help leaders gain a greater sense of self-awareness as they learn to work within diverse teams.
As you work to develop your leadership skills through your natural collaborative female style, here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- If you are feeling lonely at the top, you probably are not collaborating at peak performance. Strong collaboration will more often than not find you surrounded by like-minded people who are working towards your similar goals.
- As you collaborate, expect to make some sacrifices. When it comes to pints of style, be willing to go with the flow. When it comes to character and principles, stand firm.
- Focus on winning as a collaborative effort, regardless of who gets the credit. When you become respected for collaboration of this style, your name will naturally rise to the top.
- As you choose whom to collaborate with, remember to go outside of those you naturally attract. Look to bring people to your collaboration that share your same values, but have different skills and styles.
- As a leader, always look for ways to make a collaborative team win. Celebrate your victories.
- Use your natural gift of communication to connect with team members at a heart level. Remember, strong leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. True communication at this level must be intentionally developed. Find ways to study to grow your communication skills.
- Look for ways not just to bring people to your collaboration, but to join others collaboratively in their work. This will grow your network and influence powerfully.
Start putting some of your natural feminine gifts of collaboration together and you will find yourself unstoppable!
Every child has a hero, someone who inspired vision in them, someone they aspired to be like. For me, as a little girl, I had two heroes- Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Seuss. Although from different times and disciplines, they both taught me invaluable lessons I still use today. Despite their different fields of expertise - Franklin in politics, science, and invention, and Dr. Seuss in children's literature - they both left a lasting legacy that continues to shape and inspire generations. Both were unique influential philosophers who found purpose and fulfillment through connections to others. From the wisdom of “Poor Richards Almanac” to the lyrical ingenuity of “Oh The Places You Will Go,” both Franklin and Seuss were storytellers with a voice for change. Their words made me think and encouraged me to dream. At eight years old, I knew I also wanted to write and tell stories that would encourage people and change the world. It's fascinating how childhood aspirations can pave the way for unexpected yet fulfilling careers. Little did I know that this passion would one day lead me to a successful career in grant writing. Inspired by the works of two literary giants, I found myself drawn to a path of advocacy and change. So, after a successful 25-year career in non-profit Executive leadership, I was given the opportunity to join the Pathways to Growth Team as a grant writer. Pathways has been a leader in the non-profit consulting arena for many years so to be able to work with the best of the best has been a privilege! To me, grant writing is a harmonious blend of science and art, where data-driven methodology meets creative expression to produce persuasive and impactful proposals. Sounds impressive, right? So, what did I learn about grant writing from these two? For that, I will start with good ole Ben.
Securing a grant represents a monumental achievement for any entity or individual striving to confront societal challenges or propel constructive transformations forward. It signifies a crucial step toward making a tangible impact and fostering positive change within communities. While obtaining a grant marks a substantial milestone, the true impact transcends mere acquisition; it hinges on the adept execution of the proposed program or project. Effectively implementing the envisioned initiatives is where the transformative potential of the grant truly manifests. Maximizing the impact of a grant necessitates a meticulous approach, characterized by thorough planning, strategic execution, and continuous evaluation. This comprehensive process ensures that resources are allocated judiciously and utilized optimally, ultimately leading to the attainment of desired outcomes. Below are eight fundamental strategies essential for the effective implementation of programs, designed to unlock the full potential and maximize the impact of grants. These strategies serve as guiding principles, shaping the trajectory of grant-funded initiatives toward meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
It is a very competitive grant world out there, so be sure you understand the vital link between board giving and grant success.
As the leader of your nonprofit, your leadership abilities are crucial for the welfare of your staff, volunteers, and the community you serve.
To quote my Aunt Babe (age 93), “It’s a poor dog that won’t wag its own tail.” This gives you permission to share positive observations about yourself.
his article is a continuation of a blog we posted two weeks ago on efficient productivity in grant seeking. Here is a recap of the first five steps: 1) Manage your Energy, Not Your Time, 2) Be Your Own Coach or Find A Trusted Coach, 3) Read About Productivity, 4) Set Goals. Let’s continue with #5…
Some of us are wired to organize and seek out efficient productivity. Some of us are not, but no judgment here! The good news is that regardless of how easy it is for you to stay organized and have efficient productivity on a daily basis, there are some tried and true steps that will help you stay on track and meet your grant goals.
I did not expect to receive lessons in grant seeking while on holiday break this year with my husband.
Writing the narrative takes the bulk of the time you spend preparing a grant proposal, just like mixing the cookie ingredients. However, grant budgets are just as important; they are like recipes when you are baking.
Why keep #grant-seeking as a priority during COVID-19 when there are so many urgent needs? Take a breath, take a minute, and remember – your mission depends on it.
#PathwaysToGrowth
