Theory and classes are great, but they are only part of the story. Learn new skills and processes and become better at your job by actually doing things.
In the past decade, more and more attention has been paid to professionalism in the non-profit sector. We have moved beyond a feel-good sector, to one that values evaluation to show true impact. We have ideas about best practices, which are continuously being strengthened. And there are a myriad of ways that individual non-profit managers can learn about these things: trade journals, conferences, symposiums, websites, non-credit classes, for-credit certificates and degrees, etc.
These formats are important – particularly for learning about the theory behind things and the possibilities that exist. But as learning mechanisms, they all pale in comparison to actually going out and doing things. Learning by doing is one of the way humans learn best, from infancy to adulthood. Don’t ever be afraid to take something on just because you have never done it before.
- Look for opportunities to collaborate with others who are doing things outside your area of expertise (for example, help do research or proofread a grant, even if someone else is taking the lead).
- If you are taking on a new project without any model at your organization, give yourself extra time to figure things out and to consult outside help.
- Do let your superiors know that while you are ready and eager to take some new project on, you have never done this particular task before. This information will help them give you the support you need, while not leaving them blindsided if the results are not as polished as they might have otherwise expected.
Or, take things a step further, and learn by judging.
