Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Should You Focus on Team Development More Than Individual Development?


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Bob Searle

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter dives into a transformative discussion with Bob Searle of The Bridgespan Group. Bob shares compelling insights from Bridgespan’s “Leading for Impact” program, which involved nearly 300 nonprofit executive leaders. Together, they explore why team development is just as critical—if not more so—than individual leadership growth in today’s nonprofit sector.

Bob outlines the unique advantages of cultivating an executive team that works in unison, backed by Bridgespan’s extensive data and practical tools. He also unpacks common pitfalls nonprofit leaders face, like miscommunication and lack of strategic clarity, and offers actionable strategies to overcome them. This episode is packed with lessons for anyone in nonprofit leadership aiming to boost organizational effectiveness through better team dynamics.

Key Topics Include:

  • The distinct benefits of team-based leadership development over individual development
  • Data-backed insights from Bridgespan’s “Leading for Impact” program involving 299 nonprofit leaders
  • Why strategic clarity and team alignment are foundational to nonprofit success
  • The dangers of poor communication within executive teams—and simple steps to fix it
  • How scenario planning can safeguard your nonprofit against future uncertainties
  • Essential leadership traits for executive directors to foster high-performing teams
  • Techniques for continuously building leadership capacity aligned with organizational goals
  • Mentioned in This Episode:

    • The Bridgespan Group
    • Article about the results from their survey
    • This Episode is Sponsored By:

      • DonorBox
      • Links to Resources:

        • Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
        • Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
        • Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]
        • Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]
        • Subscribe and Share
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          Nonprofit Leadership PodcastBy Dr. Rob Harter

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