The Shape of Work

#152: Tyler Radford on how NGOs can attract and retain talent, and the challenges of managing HR in the non-profit sector

November 24, 2021 Springworks Season 1 Episode 152
The Shape of Work
#152: Tyler Radford on how NGOs can attract and retain talent, and the challenges of managing HR in the non-profit sector
Show Notes Chapter Markers

Being the Executive Director of a nonprofit is like being shot out of a cannon. It’s a tough and demanding job. But what exactly does an Executive Director do? And more importantly, how can Executive Directors manage their time to truly be effective?

On this episode of The Shape of Work podcast, we speak with Tyler Radford, Executive Director of Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, about what it really takes to be an effective big boss of a nonprofit organization.

We discuss how to balance big-picture strategy and leadership with day-to-day management. We also delve into how to manage the unknown and the unexpected while still moving an agenda forward. In the episode:

  • building talents Vs buying talents
  • How to design people friendly policies in social organization?
  • Tips to lead a successful humanitarian firm

The tips offered on the podcast by Tyler are valuable to every Executive Director as well as those that aspire to lead an organization.

Episode Highlights:
 
How can NGOs attract and retain talent?

The primary concern of every humanitarian firm working in a competitive market is to attract and retain talents, where a secret weapon of purpose and meaning is used to hire people with the same motive to connect technology with human needs rather than just focusing on the provided salary. Hiring people with the same objective as the firms allows the team to unite more and retain talents longer. Further, providing flexibility to employees, fun activities like yoga, and analyzing work results on a daily basis enables talents to stay for a longer period.

Managing issues and challenges by HR in a non-profit sector 

When asked about the issues and challenges HR faces in NGOs, Tyler defined and provided solutions on persisting in a competitive global market, building a team to benefit social spaces, etc. The balancing of big-picture strategies and leadership with daily management is the key. Focusing on social firms, Tyler talked about the day to day issues HR faces in order to run a smooth work culture in a non-profit organization.

How do Humanitarian agencies hire the right employees?

Strategies of salary transparency and salary framework are used, which allow people to view salaries of every individual working in the firm through a website. The intention is to find people with sense and ambition, instead of people looking for higher salaries. Tyler defines the mechanism as efficient for hiring people effectively in a short period of time.

Employer branding in nonprofit organizations

Employer branding is another key factor to be focused upon while dealing in a global firm. NGOs’ focus should be towards establishing themselves as well known and considered in their sectors. Public discussions, social media platforms, community references, building connections and networking with professionals of the same company allows effective employer branding in a nonprofit organization. Policy framework for human benefit leads to the success of humanitarian firms too.

Tips to lead a successful humanitarian firm

Inching closer to the end of the podcast, Tyler shared worthwhile tips to executive directors and those with the same notion. From the discussion about HR automation in NGOs to maintaining only valuable aspects for speedy growth, the tips dealt with the current challenges in the field of social work and professionals working to provide empathy. Tyler Radford focused on maintaining a happy and healthy work

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How NGOs can attract and retain talent.
building talents Vs buying talents
How to design people friendly policies in social organization?
(Cont.) How to design people friendly policies in social organization?
Employer branding in nonprofit organizations.
Tips to lead a successful humanitarian firm