Your main task, especially in a new nonprofit job, is to prove to the organization that you're worth the salary they're paying you. How you perform in your position dictates whether or not you will be considered for raises or promotions within the organization. There are two main ways to prove your worth:
- Go the extra mile. Don't just come to work to collect a paycheck; do your job like a rockstar.
- Get in good with your boss.
Yes, it's true: most nonprofit CEOs are overworked, underpaid, and are often so busy that they don't know which way is up. And if you can find ways to help your boss, they will be more willing to help you further your career. I'm not talking about brown-nosing, here, but showing genuine concern for the person who supervises you. Hopefully you like and get along with your boss, but even if you don't, it's still super important to develop a good working relationship. Here are a few ways to do that.
Ask About Their Weekend
Your boss is usually the one asking everyone about their weekends to show concern for their staff. Remember that it's okay for you to inquire in return. Oftentimes, you can tend to get caught up in telling your own fun stories about your weekend without thinking to ask about the boss' time away from the office. Same thing when your boss returns from vacation. When given the chance, people love to talk about themselves and their life outside of work, including your boss!
Offer to Help
Sometimes your boss is just having a no good, horrible, very bad day. Hey, it happens to the best of us. If you sense that your boss is in a bad mood, don't just steer clear. Ask if there's anything you can do to help. If you know they like Starbucks, offer to run and grab them a latte. If you know that chocolate cheers them up, pick up a few candy bars for them on your way back from your lunch break. If your boss is frustrated with a particularly difficult project, ask if you can assist or help them brainstorm new ideas. They will certainly appreciate your concern and initiative.
Remember Your Boss' Birthday
Nonprofit executives usually try to keep track of their staff's birthdays to recognize them on their special day. Yet it's often the case that no one in the office even knows when the boss' birthday is. Make it a point to find out and corral the troops to sign a group birthday card for the boss. Pick up a cake from your local bakery and surprise the boss during a "staff meeting". They will be delighted that their staff cared enough to celebrate their birthday. Wouldn't you be?
Make Your Boss Look Good
Big board meeting coming up? That may be the most stressful time in your boss' schedule. Take extra care to help prepare any materials your boss may need, and make sure they are accurate. There's nothing worse than a board member asking your boss a question that they don't have the answer to. Be sure to prepare your boss adequately for any meetings they have to attend. Believe me, they will thank you for it later. Also, when attending an event with your boss, don't be shy to introduce them to your colleagues: "this is my boss, who taught me everything I know about fundraising". Everyone likes to be flattered, just make sure it's sincere.
What are some ways that you've built a strong relationship with your nonprofit boss?
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