10 Lessons in Leadership: What “Big Mamas” Can Teach Us About Nonprofit Leadership
- Pat Kelsaw
- Feb 26, 2024
- 8 min read
Leadership is a skill that requires a unique blend of qualities such as empathy, communication, and resilience. No matter your age or where you are on your life’s journey, you ARE (or can be) a leader. As an executive, a parent, teacher,
businessperson, volunteer, or student. No title anoints you to being a leader. Leadership is both inherent and learned. Look for and make the most of the opportunities to be a trailblazer and to model to others your leadership style. People typically learn or develop as leaders by:
Assignment (you volunteered or were a natural fit or you were selected/directed (in other words, you were “volun-told”)
Having a great boss (and if you’re lucky, like I was during my career, to find more than one in your career) to provide support also they were good coaches or guides challenged you
A life hardship that provided an opportunity for you that was never your plan/aim
Bad bosses that showed you what NOT to do, say; that provided little to no support
Education/Training because you have acquired the necessary technical skills for the position
When it comes to the people leading a nonprofit organization, I have experienced all of them. Like many wise and seasoned leaders typically do, you take something away from each one. Insights and wisdom can come from them all, “A wise man can learn from a foolish question…” Wisdom. An accumulation of resolved experiences. Drawing inspiration from Big Mama and other “wise” adults can provide valuable insights and wisdom.
A generation is a group of people born at roughly the same time, usually grouped by a 20-
year interval. Many experts agree that the most reliable timeline was is devised from the Strauss-Howe generational theory identified by Neal Howe and William Strauss. The latest generational designations come from the Pew Research Center. Why look at this leadership work through a generational lens? As research shows and what I have learned through my work and life is that each generation takes on a special meaning because their members. The members tend to experience critical life events and transitions at historically noteworthy moments that define our lives. These moments such as national and global issues, societal attitudes, and trends are typically shaped during our formidable adolescent development and young adult years. It is also noteworthy that where you grew up (in or outside the U.S.) and/or what generation you were most influenced by, like your primary caretakers, are also important considerations.
Traditionalists/Silent (Born 1925 - 1945)
Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964)
Generation X (Born 1965-1980)
Millennials (Born 1981-1996)
Gen Z (Born 1997 – 2010)
Gen Alpha (Born 2010 – 2024)
My own Big Mama was born around the turn of the 20 th century, a member of what is known as “The Greatest Generation”. A generation of individuals who were born between 1901-1927, lived through the “Great Depression” and the 1940s; many went off to fight in World War II. Due to these historical events of their times, the challenges of raising a family were left to “Big Mama” at home. Sometimes known for their nurturing and protective leadership style, this determined generation would navigate their challenges with skillful confidence and resilience. This generation put a high price on traits like hard work, a strong work ethic, personal responsibility, and humility.
So, what are some important leadership traits that we can learn from the Greatest
Generation? Where do I find comparisons between Big Mama and becoming a leader, no matter where you are on your journey? Here are 10 similarities to consider:
1. Vision: Both Big Mamas and effective leaders have a clear vision for the future and work
towards achieving their goals for the betterment of their family, organization, school, or
community.
2. Communicate effectively and listen actively: Big Mamas and successful leaders communicate effectively with others, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal. Actively listening to the concerns and ideas of others can lead to better decision-making and a stronger sense of teamwork.
3. Decision-making: Both Big Mamas and leaders must make tough decisions for the benefit of their family or organization, etc., weighing the needs and priorities of all members
involved.
4. Lead with Compassion and Empathy: Big Mamas and effective leaders demonstrate empathy and understanding towards the needs and feelings of their team members, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Big Mamas care for their younger members with unwavering compassion and empathy. As a leader, it is crucial to approach your role with a similar mindset. Understanding the needs and emotions of your team members can create a culture of trust.
5. Lead by example: Big Mamas lead by example, demonstrating the behaviors and values they expect from their team members. As a leader, exhibiting qualities such as integrity, resilience, and determination can inspire and motivate others to do the same.
6. Build strong relationships: Big Mamas form strong bonds within their family groups, relying on each other for support and protection. Building relationships can foster a sense of community, collaboration, and teamwork.
7. Accountability: Both Big Mamas and leaders hold themselves and others accountable for their actions and responsibilities, fostering a sense of trust and reliability within the family or
organization, etc.
8. Adaptability: Big Mamas and effective leaders must be adaptable and flexible in their
approach, being able to adjust to changes and challenges as they arise. Critical thinking skills. When Big Mama ran out of something, she could find a substitute or just “wing it” - there was no Google, Siri, Alexa to ask!
9. Delegate effectively: Big Mamas delegate tasks within their “family” group based on each
member's strengths and abilities. Delegating responsibilities effectively as a leader can empower others to take ownership of their work and contribute to your collective success.
10. Resilience: Both Big Mamas and leaders must demonstrate resilience in the face of
challenges and setbacks, showing strength and determination to overcome obstacles for the
greater good. As a leader, maintaining a sense of calm and composure during times of crisis can help your team navigate uncertainties with confidence and clarity.
If you read to the end, here's a special something for you -
A Bonus Resource: I created my OWN personal leadership lessons from Big Mama!
Find my first set of 10 simple tips (simple as in just three words) lessons and tips.
From Big Mama’s Playbook:
Learn about nonprofit management strategies and grant writing resources-
professional development trainings, calls for proposals and share your
knowledge, grant funding announcements, and employment opportunities.
In the recent past, I was able to network and share this information through individual
emails and text messages. As my network of former colleagues & students, current and
former clients have grown, along with the passing of time, Lead Like Big Mama provides
a new way to shift my communication strategy! It is my goal to provide the latest
information as I discover new items each week.
Grant News & Tips: Through Lead Like Big Mama, I am excited to bring you once
again several of my courses that focus on fundraising, and grant writing soon. You will
learn about basic nonprofit fundraising, the art & style of writing a successful grant and
how to prepare your organization, board, staff, stakeholders, and partners. Subscribe to
find out about upcoming offerings. Free and low-cost/affordable webinars!
Want to learn about grants and proposal writing? I will be hosting a FREE one-hour
webinar to start your fundraising on Saturday, April 20th , 1:00PM -2:00PM (EST).
Fundraising 101 webinar covers:
What– is funding diversification?
Why – have a fundraising strategy/plan?
Who should attend – are you new to fundraising and grant writing?
How – to prepare your Board/staff: ready or capable to lead the effort?
Where – Resources to find funding, start fundraising
This date, April 20 th is Volunteer Recognition Day! Please share this with those you think should/may want to attend! Registration for the webinar will open soon!
Featured Professional Development Opportunities:
LatinxEd (North Carolina) – Fellowship opportunity. Applications due: March 11 th
Featured Grant Opportunities: This listing primarily focuses on regions of the country
and in communities: urban/suburban/rural where I have lived or worked, or other places
that touch my life – where I know people are working hard to make a difference. And
besides regional and state-specific grants, national and Federal grant opportunities related to the health and well-being of communities and families will also be included in
this listing. Find grants in the following areas:
Arts/Culture:
South Carolina Arts Commission invites applications for school arts grants. Grants up to
$5,000.
Deadline: March 5, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this request for
proposal (RFP), see the website.
Civic, Community, and Economic Opportunities:
(new) Santa Fe Community Foundation invites applications for its spring grant cycle.
Grants up to $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 depending on your annual operating budget.
Deadline: March 22, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this request for
proposal (RFP), see the website.
Children/Youth:
New Mexico Children’s Foundation invites applications for programs that benefit
children. Grants awards up to $10,000.
Deadline: March 9, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this request for
proposal (RFP), see the website.
Foundation For The Carolinas invites applications for 2024 Longleaf Fund. Capital
grants of between $10,000 and $150,000 will be awarded to organizations serving at-
risk children/youth.
Deadline: March 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this request for
proposal (RFP), see the website.
Education:
(new) Obama Foundation invites applications for Voyager Scholarship for Public
Services. Scholarships. A two-year leadership development and scholarship up to
$50,000 for their junior and senior years of college.
Deadline: March 27, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this scholarship, see
the website.
(new) Imagine Learning Foundation invites applications for grants aimed at addressing
both chronic absenteeism and the student homelessness crisis that are affecting K-12
students nationwide. Estimated grant awards in the range of $50,000 to $100,000.
Deadline: March 29, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this request for
proposal (RFP), see the website.
First Nations Institute invites applications for Native Language Immersion Initiative.
Grants up to $75,000.
Deadline: March 4, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. MT
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this request for
proposal (RFP), see the website.
Health/Environmental:
(new) San Diego Community Foundation invites applications for Binational Resilience
Initiative. Grants up to $50,000 per year per organization, and up to $100,000 per year
per binational project
Deadline: March 8, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this request for
proposal (RFP), see the website.
People with Disabilities:
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation invites applications for Quality-of-Life Grants.
Grants from $5000 - $24,999 will be awarded.
Deadline: March 8, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this request for
proposal (RFP), see the website.
Social Justice:
(new) The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) invites applications for the
ACLS Leading Edge Fellowships program. The program places recent humanities PhDs
with nonprofit organizations committed to promoting social justice in their communities.
Fellows receive a $70,000 in year one, and $72,000 in year two, as well as health
insurance, professional development funding, and up to $5,000 in relocation funds for
fellows who relocate for in-person and hybrid positions.
Deadline: March 13, 2024, at 9:00 PM (EST)
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this fellowship and
their other fellowships and grant programs, see the website.
Featured Career Opportunities:
Field Work Consultant - Open Pool - Berkeley Social Welfare
University of California, Department of Social Welfare/School of Social Welfare,
Berkeley, CA
For application and information:
Social Worker for Caregiving Families - Alliance for Children's Rights
Remote/Hybrid - Los Angeles, CA.
For more information:
Weekly wisdom, in their own words:
“In my life, if you have a purpose in which you can believe, there’s no end to the amount
of things you can accomplish”.
-Marian Anderson (1897-1993)
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