Sadly, much needed leadership, direction, and accountability. Otherwise, undeniably a fantastic mission.
Pros
Organization overall has an incredible mission and purpose in communities all over the world, which are doing great things in tandem with families in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing. Love the hands up, not hands out approach. Organization is the perfect model for engaging volunteers from all walks of life, skilled or unskilled. I will always love Habitat. The work they do is good, meaningful, and important. An amazing mission to work towards and at the same time call your ‘job’. Loved being a part of such positive community service and making an impact in the lives of others.
Cons
Lack of resources (people and monetary). No paid benefits. Local Affiliate upper management (So. NH) only cared about self-preservation and doing bigger and better without regard for the staff under them. Sink or swim was the attitude, cold-shoulder, door closed approach was often their management style, which clearly led to an absolute lack of guidance and communications. Most communication requests would go ‘unnoticed’ or ‘not received’, leaving staff in a lurch in make unguided decisions/determinations. Requests for guidance/answers were a ‘bother’. The manager lacked fair and unbiased management/leadership skills. Office politics and favorites from all levels of management have been a problem at this Affiliate for years and until some major changes happen this will continue to be a problem for any person outside of that circle. Non profit work is tough with long hours put in. A small environment such as this where ‘team’ should be the attitude practiced was not the case, as much as you really try to be a part of the ‘team’ and do everything as you feel is prescribed. Everything seemed to gravitate towards competition and actions (or words) that waffled from one extreme to the next. Sadly, this has been my worst work experience with leadership and one that I felt where it should have been the best doing great work for an even greater purpose. No leader (or staff person) should ever feel proud of making staff feel this way, especially when all intentions and efforts are done in a heartfelt, doing-my-best manner for what the staff person felt was for the greater good of all. Alienation of others does not do good for anyone involved - period.
