Jammie Mitchell: 12 Guiding Principles for Executive Directors

Jammie Mitchell, the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, has been a leading voice in the social work profession for over 20 years. She is known for her passion for social justice, her commitment to evidence-based practice, and her ability to inspire others.

In her role as Executive Director, Jammie has overseen the development of a number of important initiatives, including the NASW Code of Ethics, the NASW Standards for Social Work Practice, and the NASW Continuing Education Program. She has also been a vocal advocate for social work education, research, and policy.

Jammie's work has had a significant impact on the social work profession. She has helped to raise the visibility of social work, promote the importance of evidence-based practice, and strengthen the ethical foundation of the profession. She is a role model for social workers around the world, and her work has helped to make a difference in the lives of countless people.

12 Guiding Principles for Executive Directors

In a recent interview, Jammie shared 12 guiding principles that she believes are essential for Executive Directors. These principles are:

1. Be a Visionary Leader. Executive Directors should have a clear vision for the future of their organization. They should be able to articulate this vision to others and inspire them to work towards it.
2. Be a Strategic Thinker. Executive Directors need to be able to think strategically about the future of their organization. They need to be able to identify opportunities and threats, and develop plans to address them.
3. Be a Strong Communicator. Executive Directors need to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, including staff, board members, donors, and the public. They need to be able to clearly articulate their vision, plans, and decisions.
4. Be a Relationship Builder. Executive Directors need to be able to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including staff, board members, donors, and the public. They need to be able to create a culture of trust and respect.
5. Be a Fundraiser. Executive Directors need to be able to raise funds to support their organization's mission. They need to be able to identify potential donors, develop fundraising strategies, and cultivate relationships with donors.
6. Be an Advocate. Executive Directors need to be advocates for their organization's mission. They need to be able to speak out on behalf of their organization and its clients.
7. Be a Risk Taker. Executive Directors need to be willing to take risks in order to achieve their organization's mission. They need to be able to make decisions that are not always popular, but that they believe are in the best interests of the organization.
8. Be a Problem Solver. Executive Directors need to be able to solve problems effectively. They need to be able to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement those solutions.
9. Be a Decision Maker. Executive Directors need to be able to make decisions quickly and decisively. They need to be able to weigh the pros and cons of different options and make decisions that are in the best interests of the organization.
10. Be a Team Player. Executive Directors need to be able to work effectively with a team of people. They need to be able to delegate tasks, provide support, and motivate their team to achieve their goals.
11. Be an Ethical Leader. Executive Directors need to be ethical leaders. They need to be able to make decisions that are in the best interests of the organization and its clients. They also need to be able to hold themselves and others accountable for their actions.
12. Be a Lifelong Learner. Executive Directors need to be lifelong learners. They need to be able to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in their field and to continue to develop their skills and knowledge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Jammie also shared some common mistakes that Executive Directors should avoid. These mistakes include:

• Micromanaging. Executive Directors should avoid micromanaging their staff. They need to be able to delegate tasks and trust their staff to do their jobs.
• Being too isolated. Executive Directors should avoid being too isolated from their staff and other stakeholders. They need to be able to get input from others and to build relationships with them.
• Making decisions without consulting others. Executive Directors should avoid making decisions without consulting others. They need to be able to get input from their staff, board members, and other stakeholders before making decisions.
• Not communicating effectively. Executive Directors should avoid not communicating effectively with their staff, board members, and other stakeholders. They need to be able to clearly articulate their vision, plans, and decisions.
• Not being ethical. Executive Directors should avoid not being ethical. They need to be able to make decisions that are in the best interests of the organization and its clients. They also need to be able to hold themselves and others accountable for their actions.

How to Get Started

If you are interested in becoming an Executive Director, Jammie recommends that you start by getting involved in your community. Volunteer your time to a local organization, serve on a board of directors, or get involved in a political campaign. This will help you to develop the skills and experience that you need to be successful as an Executive Director.

You should also consider getting a graduate degree in social work or public administration. This will give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that you need to be successful in this role.

Conclusion

The role of the Executive Director is a challenging one, but it is also a rewarding one. Executive Directors have the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. If you are passionate about social justice and have the skills and experience to lead an organization, then you should consider becoming an Executive Director.

Tables

| Table 1: The 12 Guiding Principles for Executive Directors |
|---|---|
| 1. Be a Visionary Leader |
| 2. Be a Strategic Thinker |
| 3. Be a Strong Communicator |
| 4. Be a Relationship Builder |
| 5. Be a Fundraiser |
| 6. Be an Advocate |
| 7. Be a Risk Taker |
| 8. Be a Problem Solver |
| 9. Be a Decision Maker |
| 10. Be a Team Player |
| 11. Be an Ethical Leader |
| 12. Be a Lifelong Learner |

| Table 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid for Executive Directors |
|---|---|
| 1. Micromanaging |
| 2. Being too isolated |
| 3. Making decisions without consulting others |
| 4. Not communicating effectively |
| 5. Not being ethical |

| Table 3: Steps to Becoming an Executive Director |
|---|---|
| 1. Get involved in your community |
| 2. Volunteer your time to a local organization |
| 3. Serve on a board of directors |
| 4. Get involved in a political campaign |
| 5. Get a graduate degree in social work or public administration |

| Table 4: Resources for Executive Directors |
|---|---|
| 1. National Association of Social Workers (NASW) |
| 2. American Public Health Association (APHA) |
| 3. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) |
| 4. Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) |