All types of staff are required in nonprofits – from volunteer treasurers, administrators and fundraisers. And while managers are also important to the running of your nonprofit, don’t forget that leaders are an essential part of the business as well.

What is a manager?

A manager is someone who can create systems that others will follow. It is their job to manage the staff and ensure that all the work is getting done. It is also their responsibility to make sure that everyone has the right tools that they need to succeed.

What is a leader?

A leader is a person who can motivate the organisation as a whole. They push people to think outside the box and try as hard as possible. They ensure people are feeling engaged with their workload and inspire individuals including volunteers, the board, and the staff to be the best they can be.

Effective NFPs Need Both A Leader And A Manager

Leaders are not often talked about when it comes to nonprofits. However, a manager and a leader can work together to enable a nonprofit to do great things. One is all about strategies, and the other is all about systems to bring the strategies to the forefront.

What should a manager do?

- Hold the staff accountable if they aren’t performing up to par

- Confirm that everyone is actively engaged and happy in their roles

- Set clear goals and hold everyone accountable if they fail to meet their goals

- Offer staff incentives

- Ensure effective systems and tools so people can do their job well

What should a leader do?

- Ask the hard questions such as why the NFP exists and whether they are meeting their mission

- Encourage the board to have a long-term strategy that everyone can get behind

- Expand the NFP’s relevance and reach

- Remind everyone of the importance of their role

- Rally the board and staff to get behind issues

In smaller NFPs, the role of manager and leader may be carried out by one person. In larger organisations, there may be more than one leader or manager. While it doesn’t matter how many people fulfil the actual roles, it is important that the staff are being led and managed in equal proportions.