The Right Fit
It was an odd request. I had an email from an individual who had left an organization for which I used to consult. He indicated that he wanted just a little bit of time to see if I might help him clarify a direction for his professional life. I certainly do this a great deal with clients and friends, but I didn’t know this person all that well. But I decided it sounded interesting, so I accepted the meeting.
Immediately in the conversation, it was very obvious he needed a boost. He was unsure of his professional future in the nonprofit world. Unsure if he would ever get the chance to do the things that he believed he was capable of. And the last experience at that organization that he worked was a very challenging environment.
When I inquired as to why, there was a series of examples and experiences that led to him deciding that he’d be better off no longer at the organization. Basically, he was realizing they didn’t see the same values and skill sets in him that he saw in himself. There would be better chances elsewhere. But in the same vein, that affected his confidence.
What I found most interesting was, based on the old adage of trying to see the forest through the trees, was a lack of perspective. I really don’t know this person all that well. He seems to be a good guy. But the experience he had with his former employer may not be the best example of best practice leadership. However, that was his only viewpoint of the non-profit world.
What I took from the conversation was that perspective and having enough data points or experiences to really know what “best practice” is or “good versus bad” is really important. After a 45-minute-long discussion, I think he felt better when I said there are a lot of other organizations out there that might be a better fit. They might be able to utilize his skills more effectively. Where he might find greater joy in the ability to contribute and making a difference. In the end, that’s what we all want….to help people…particularly in the nonprofit world.
Before making judgments or a final assessment, we should all make sure that we have enough experience or data to know all the possibilities. To know if our experience is the norm or an anomaly. In the end, it may be the difference between good and bad decisions in our life.
