Starting a nonprofit organization can be a trying task that many people simply don't have the ability to pull off, but those who can make it work have a very particular set of skills. You don't have to demonstrate the characteristics of a spy in a Hollywood movie to successfully run a charity. However, you should have some of the fundamental traits possessed by every leader. Inc. magazine contributor Samuel Bacharach recommends a few traits you should be sure to possess if you hope to open up a successful nonprofit organization.  

A fiery passion
For many people who have founded a nonprofit, it is a labor of love and it is something they have dreamed about doing for years. By demonstrating to your staff that you have a real passion for making the nonprofit a success, you can inspire a group of team members to develop that same zeal for the organization. An emotional connection to the job is something every nonprofit leader needs and without that passion it will be difficult to reach your goals. Being passionate will also help you motivate your staff to go above and beyond to make sure they do all they can to help the nonprofit organization reach new heights.

A true model of consistency
During the creation of a nonprofit organization there will be several high and lows, and it is up to you to set an example across the firm to remain as consistent as possible. Nonprofits with a leader that is emotionally stable and able to combat any problem will allow staff to trust they have a strong personality in charge of their organization. You should also make sure your nonprofit has consistent funding and cash flow. By using nonprofit budgeting tools, you will be able to keep track of all the finance needs at the organization. 

A strong follow through
When starting a nonprofit organization you have to make several promises to staff and other entities. After the nonprofit is up and running, it is important that you follow through with what you have said to get you to this point. You want to manage for results and continue to show the passion that has allowed the nonprofit to land on its own two feet. Team members will know that you may not be able to deliver everything, but if you have been a strong leader throughout the creation of the organization, they know you will do all you can to meet their needs.

A clear focus
Every nonprofit organization is working to meet the needs of a specific group of people. You have to voice that message across your entire team of employees. By understanding who they are working to service, staff at nonprofit organizations may feel better about what they are doing. The more clear you are with your staff and your partners, the greater the odds for the nonprofit organization to reach the levels of success that were a dream just a few months ago. While writing your mission statement, it is important to use language that is detailed but not too pedantic that it is hard to understand. Sending a clear message to staff and investors is the first step in creating a nonprofit that will be around for years to come.

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