Blog
A “forest of leaders” approach to leadership
By Darcy MacCallum, Chief Executive Officer at Social Enterprise for Canada
As the nonprofit sector endures ongoing changes in their environment, we’re being called on to work in new ways. Reimagining Leadership is a project exploring what the future possibilities are for leadership in the nonprofit sector by engaging with those who are approaching it in bold, and diverse ways.
When I stepped into the CEO role at Social Enterprise for Canada (SEC) in 2022, I was following a CEO that had been there for 30 years. SEC is a multi-service agency based in Newmarket that supports York, Peel, and Simcoe regions in a wide array of early childhood services, and support systems for immigrants and newcomers. Our work is vast. I knew I couldn’t do this alone, and I knew I couldn’t just fill her shoes. Adapting a “forest of leaders” approach, where leaders support each other, and come together to grow and problem-solve together, has transformed us into a more connected, and trust-centred organization.
Too often within our sector, we look at the CEO as having the answer for everything. But we need people with different skills and perspectives. Honouring the strengths of the SEC staff is what anchors our “forest of leaders” approach. Though I may be CEO, the whole team leads.
Leading with trust
Much like a tree needs soil, water, and sunlight, the “forest of leaders” approach requires healthy inputs for team members to thrive. All of our managers get together every other month to bring key information from their departments, and share what they’re thinking. These meetings have become a very interactive, co-creative, and generative time together.
I find that this is contrary to the silo mentality that I’ve seen throughout the industry where people are not willing to talk and share. We also have monthly DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) meetings, further amplifying voices, and addressing problematic observations that frontline staff witness.
Senior leaders are overworked in the sector, with many leaving the nonprofit world all together. This has left people worried for the future of the industry. No one likes speaking to a brickwall where feedback goes nowhere. At SEC, staff know that this is a safe space to share their experiences, and work together towards solutions.
Through it all, we stay focused on four core values: practicing kindness, finding solutions together, continuous improvement, and building trust. We also now regularly budget for training and coaching to grow in these areas.
Forest of leaders: We carry each other
With each passing day, I’ve become a louder cheerleader for my team, reminding them that they’re capable through the organizational structures and support systems that we’ve put in place. Leaders can trust each other to carry the organization when they’re away. This allows for vacations and wellness days without worry of departmental health or work piling up.
This way of leadership is the anchor that grows team members, much like a tree with strong roots bears an abundance of fruits. And just like trees, we’re at our best when we’re together as a forest.
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