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Leadership Training/Mentoring Corner - March Responses
THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING/MENTORING CORNER
In the August 2025 Newsletter, we started a series called “The Leadership/Mentoring Corner” in which we posed a thought-provoking situation for you to think about and put yourself into, asking yourself, “What are your next steps?” Below is the situation that was
MARCH LEADERSHIP SITUATION
Sam is the Executive Director of a non-profit public charity organization that provides support to the homeless community in a large metropolitan city. The organization has been in continual operation for more than 30 years and its founder (Harold) treats the organization as it is his own personal charity, in that his name is part of the name of the non-profit, he is only available to meet when he is not running his electrical business or traveling and he demands to be part of every meeting and every decision that is made.
The organization has primarily been funded over the years by monies received from an annual sporting event. This event has become less popular over the years because fewer major national famous sport figures attend and support the annual event for a variety of reasons.
Last year this sporting event raised the least amount of money ever, and the organization was forced to discontinue one of its benefactor’s programs.
Sam has been attempting to rebuild the board of trustees who could bring in some new ideas, direction and potential donors. But Harold has been resisting for fear of loosing control over “his charity”.
What should Sam’s next steps be?
We polled several Silver Fox Advisors, and below are some recommendations on what Sam’s possible next steps should be:
- It also could be best for the future of the non-profit to remove Harold from the Board and relieve Sam of his duties as well, getting new individuals in both positions. New personalities might give the non-profit a new direction forward.
- Some Silver Fox Advisors felt that, with Sam having been there 30 years, it might be time for a change in the leadership position and to bring in someone with potential fresh ideas.
- It probably would be a good idea to retain a non-profit organizational advisor and have that individual conduct an overall assessment of the organization. There very well could be a misalignment of leadership within the board itself.
- This assessment mentioned in number five above should include an overall assessment of the organization’s mission, vision, purpose, structure, and benefactors. It is possible the needs may have changed, and a new purpose and direction is needed.
- Because the fundraising hit the lowest point in several years, it would also be a good idea to assess the donor base and seek their input, as they are the group writing the checks.
If you need assistance in becoming a better leader, we recommend you start by contacting the Silver Fox Advisors. Silver Fox Advisors are former or present business owners themselves, and they have leadership experience in running a business, and in some cases several businesses, and have dealt with unforeseen and unplanned situations throughout their careers. We encourage you to visit our website at www.silverfox.org to select a Silver Fox Advisor and also to learn more about the Silver Fox Advisors, as well as our great programs and community outreach endeavors.
