Getting From Lettuce to Leadership

“Where are you going and how can I help?” This is one of the first things Robert Egger asked me when we met up to chat today at our neighborhood Starbucks in DC. We had a nice talk about the upcoming Nonprofit Congress, the momentum of the Primary Project, and the importance of involving young nonprofit leaders in this world we’re trying to change. Robert was so kind to let me know he enjoyed my blog and dug my ideas about the nonprofit sector. But when he asked me that question, I kind of blanked for a moment. I know where I want to be, but the path is not exactly linear, or even visible to me right now. And honestly, right then I felt like the guy in the Eddie Murphy movie, Coming to America who works at McDonald’s who’s on lettuce, talking about how he one day hopes to be the boss: “See, right now I’m on lettuce, then I’ll be flipping burgers, and in a couple years, I’ll be general manager. And that’s where the big bucks come in.”

I ain’t as patient as the McDonald’s guy. I want to be general manager right now.

That’s essentially what I told Robert, but he didn’t laugh hysterically, bless his heart. Instead he offered some advice to a would-be, wannabe thought leader in this crazy nonprofit sector. How can I get from lettuce to leadership? Robert says:

Take advantage of speaking opportunities

Stay involved with the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network

Write an op-ed for the Chronicle of Philanthropy

Join a board of directors

Empathize with baby boomers and be respectful

Keep blogging, sister!

Tiffany over at Little Red Suit wrote a great post last week on inventing (not re-inventing) yourself. What she says is so relevant for young nonprofit leaders that can’t see a linear ladder to career progression and leadership positions within the sector. The result is that young workers often get discouraged about the options we currently see. We work long hours for low pay, and endure frustratingly outdated systems of doing the work, with a cheerful spirit of idealism and a can-do attitude. But then to top it off, we aren’t given the opportunities to serve in leadership capacities within our organizations. My comment to Tiffany was that the idea of inventing ourselves can be so empowering for young people, that is: ditch the models and create the mold yourself.

Look, I very much aspire to be an Executive Director or President of a nonprofit or foundation. But that direction in which I want to go is unlikely to happen as quickly as I want it to. So I know that I’ve got to do some things to expedite the journey. I’ve found some direction in blogging, mentoring, networking, and looking outside of my role models to map my own path. Somebody said I don’t know what the path is exactly yet, or where it leads, but when I get there I’ll know.

In fact, this is indeed the most fundamental issue facing nonprofits: the lack of adequate leadership development available to prepare the next generation to fill the vacant leadership positions we will have in the coming years. We may have some good leaders now, but we could certainly use more, and I can’t see my way right now that we’re grooming better ones for the future.

You may ask, how can I be so focused on something I can’t even see? How do I know I’ll even want this leadership gig when I get it? This changing the world business ain’t easy. But nothing worth doing ever is. And I know that being a part of the solution, whatever it may be, is the only thing that makes meaning for my life. Today is one of those days where I have to challenge myself to continue to find the strength and the courage to push toward creating an invisible future, one that is infinitely better than the present, and wondrously abundant with opportunity and positive change for our communities. Working in nonprofits is hard, but it’s the most important work any of us will ever do.

Ron H

Rosetta

I enjoyed your post very much. Great use of Coming to America. I have watched that movie several times. Can’t say why I just have always liked it.

Generational differences in the workplace is an important issue as you clearly see. As an early gen X’r with baby boomer tendencies I can to a limited extent share your frustration and yet can understand where you are coming from. Many of my contemporaries and the generations before me demand that you earn your stripes through accomplishments AND time served in the organization before any promotions will come your way. These perspectives in today’s workplace seem outdated and in need of change. But with what do we replace them? How do we span the values gap between the generations?

This happens when leaders such as you and I step up and change the context. Sometimes an evolutionary approach is wisest other times a revolutionary approach is in order. It is contextual of course. Have you read Ron Heifitz’ book Leadership Without Easy Answers? While not exactly on point for the generational issue I love the way social change is presented through the metaphor of a pressure cooker.

In my Masters program I had the opportunity to participate in a number of generational research projects. There is certainly a vast quantity of relevant research, but the application is where we often fall short. People fail to realize that their own generational tendencies are no more important than those of the other generations. They are starting points for a discussion and the opportunity to build a bridge. Yes the generations have different priorities but we must start where there is common ground.

Ron Hurst
http://www.materialleadership.blogspot.com
Michele Martin

Rosetta, I am beyond jealous that you got to meet with Robert Egger. What a great opportunity!

To me, you are demonstrating what the path to leadership is right now–making your own way and your own opportunities. Rather than waiting for someone to develop you, you are developing yourself through blogging, seeking out mentors, etc. When the time comes, you’ll be ready–or as ready as you can be.

I’m not sure that anyone can say that they are “ready” to assume the mantle of leadership because until we’re there, we can never truly know what it’s like or how we’ll handle things. Until then, you prepare yourself by seeking out experiences and learning that will shape you into the leader and person you want to be. I personally think that what will ultimately happen is that new generations will simply create their own institutions to replace the old ways of doing business. And that’s real leadership in my book!