What I won't miss

Today is Christmas eve and it's been a full day of non-work related activities. I am thinking back to last year's Christmas holiday when I was re-entering the US mind set after 4 months in the Czech Republic. I was aware that I would be returning to my ED role in a different frame of mind. What I wasn't aware of was how fast the following year (this year) would speed forward. Yikes!

And now I think ahead a year - to a year without being at the helm of a thriving nonprofit. Here's what I WON'T miss ;

1) Money worries - of course they are always there, lurking in the background of a nonprofit. Because nonprofit rely so heavily on the voluntary actions of philanthropists - corporate, individual, foundation, civic group donors - it's hard to find funds you can count on year after year. Greenlights is still working on creating its sustainable base of support, and even when there's money coming in, there's a sense of concern about the financial future. But there's less worry about money when you don't have a weekly payroll to manage!

2) Management worries - as ED there are times that management decisions feel lonely. You can bet that others in your team will not appreciate decisions. ED's can be faulted for being too hasty, too slow....too decision, too laissez-faire...too independent, too dependent. And there are times when you second guess your decisions with some regret, but no real clear sense of how the path would have been different if you'd gone the other way. Less management decisions ahead (I think!).

3) People worries - as organizations grow larger, there are more people to think about and more values and personalities to work with. As the ED there's a commitment and responsibility to creating a climate that supports each and every one of the vastly diverse people who are helping make the mission. And along with that responsibility, at times, is a concern that people aren't getting what they need. Or that you are contributing to the disappointment, stress or distress of others in the organization. That can be a difficult burden. Less people to manage means less people worries!

It's interesting to think about these things during the holiday season when my house is filled with great foods, great people, and light responsibilities. Cooking, cleaning, finishing a big piece of the jigsaw puzzle in the living room, organizing gift giving, coordinating visits and outings......not alot about people, money or management. And yet actually, it is still somewhat related to people, money and management. Ultimately, being with any social group - whether it's your work group, family group, or friendship group - means thinking compassionately, knowing that there will always be a layer of happening, or an undercurrent that;'s invisible or slow to become known, and relishing the good times!

We went to WestCave Preserve yesterday and got a delightful tour of the canyons, grottos and caves on the property. The tour guide told us how well WestCave is cared for by students in a program for at-risk youth - and how the students get as much out of the experience as WestCave. What kids value about hauling brush, mending fences, and designing outbuildings.
To me that's elegance - a win-win where two nonprofits maximize their mission by collaborating - bringing different talents and resources to bear on a project that yields double goals.

Happy holidays!!