Hiring An Employee Is Not The Final Step

So you've finally hired a new employee to your nonprofit. That means all of your work is done, right? According to a leading nonprofit executive, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Speaking at the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy's 46th annual international conference in Atlanta, Ga., Mendal Bouknight, president of the Piedmont Healthcare Foundation, explained that organizations should not rest even after filling their open positions. She shared some of the techniques her organization used to promote a strong workforce:

• Culture is introduced during the interview process;
• Expectations are clearly addressed Day 1; 30 days; 60 days; 90 days; 180 days, and 365 days;
• Take the time to provide an orientation to the organization, as well as every member of the team;
• The Hermann Brain Diagnostic Instrument (HBDI), similar to the Myers-Briggs Test, is introduced to every new member and the team; and,
• Regular retreats are centered around team, roles, responsibilities and respect.

Motivation is also an important tool to keep your employees engaged, and Bouknight detailed how strong leaders can do this:

• Intentionally focus on the team and the individual;
• Begin every day by thinking about your team and what you are going to do to support them;
• Select the right people, those who are talented, fit with the culture, bring value to the team, are smarter than you, and like what they do; and,
• Actively listen to your team.