I was introduced to Kivi Leroux Miller who runs Nonprofit Marketing Guide and invited to teach a class online for communication directors on boundaries.
Kivi had some interesting surveys she shares with her members. I wanted to blend in with Team Kivi and survey some nonprofit communication directors to see if they were feeling some boundary challenges in their jobs.
I received responses from 137 nonprofit communication and marketing directors. Here is a sample from the boundary survey.
I am able to spend time implementing my most valuable ideas. 18% often 59% sometimes 22% rarely
When there are decisions to be made, I find myself getting input after the deadline when it was needed. 43% often 44% sometimes 14% rarely
I wish I had been consulted before decisions affecting my department are made. 45% often 40% sometimes 13% rarely
I have input into the budget for my department. 37% often 29% sometimes 33%rarely
I have solid experience and my expertise is sought when a board member gets excited about using a new channel or platform. 16% often 41% sometimes 43% rarely
I have a clear job description and scope of work with reasonable expectations. 22% often 49% sometimes 28% rarely
Our organization brand standards are respected and consistency is valued. 29% often 51% sometimes
20% rarely
Our org is often distracted putting out fires of whatever is most urgent and there is no real time for planning and strategic follow through. 60% often 27% sometimes 13% rarely
I am looking forward to sharing the rest of the survey and some boundary skills with communication directors. Kivi was excited to learn I had a long deep background in nonprofit work. This is one of the many ways boundaries can be used to strengthen the work inside of nonprofits.
What did 137 Communication Directors say about Boundaries?
I am a psychotherapist and the author of The Mystery of Knowing Journal, Transform Your Boundaries, and Naming and Taming Overwhelm. My experience has not been limited to a small room with a couch. I also ran 3 non-profit organizations for 20 years, founding 2 of those orgs and taught leadership 7 years.
Making boundaries, selfcare, and overwhelm recovery easier has become my life purpose. I believe many of our conflicts, stress, and difficulties comes from the need to develop a deeper understanding about boundaries and connection. I have workshops and online classes to help you grow your self-care and boundaries. www.sarrigilman.com