How Differently Do We See Things?
Someone told me the other day that Wall Street executives don't cut it in social service organizations. Is it true that we who live in the for-profit world lose our footing when we venture into the world of the not-for-profit? Or do we create our own “I'm the one who can save you, “ arrogance?
I want so much to be relevant, to be valued, to make an impact. How hard could this be?
Tell me, how have you used your for-profit experience in the not-for-profit world? What works? Are there any happy stories out there?
How differently do we see things?
You bring up an interesting thought. For 28 years I spent my time in the business world, mostly owning my own businesses. For the past 2 years I have served as Executive Director of two non profit organizations in the Milwaukee area. To say the least there have been many changes I have had to deal with. As I look back at my business career it was all about the bottom line. As I moved into the non profit arena the thinking shifted from bottom line to people. Don't misunderstand my thinking. Bottom line is an important factor in non profit work, but again it is all about people. That is why relationships and partnerships are so important in the non profit arena. I can honestly say that when I leave to go home every day I feel like I have made a million dollars. The reason being...I have invested my time into someones else's life. This is a lesson we can all learn in our business, family, neighborhood, church, etc. Jesus was all about people!
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