Leaders Attend Aileron Training Course
MVCAP leaders participated in a two-day course for non-profit leaders thanks to the Mathile Family Foundation.
Erin Jeffries, President and CEO, and Katie O’Donoghue-Ly, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, attended the course focused on the Aileron DOC Model. DOC stands for Direction, Operation and Control and Jeffries said the work was especially helpful as MVCAP embarks on a year of strategic planning.
“The course gave us a strong framework for thinking about how we lead and how we align our vision, our operations and our accountability systems as an organization,” Jeffries said. “It feels very timely and relevant as we prepare for strategic planning conversations with our board, staff and community partners.”
Aileron Professional Management’s model looks at Direction (leadership and strategy), Operation (business structure and people development) and Control (culture and organizational performance).
“One of the most meaningful parts of the training for me was the emphasis on people development,” Jeffries said. “We need to help teammates grow to their full potential by checking in on both their personal and professional goals while inspiring them to do their best and be their best.”
Jeffries found that aspect of the training validating.
“It reinforced how important it is that we continue building a culture where our staff feel supported, challenged and valued as individuals, not just as employees,” she said.
O’Donoghue-Ly agreed and added that an Aileron adage particularly struck home with her.
“In the course and written on the wall at Aileron was ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast,’” she said. “It means that no matter how strong the strategic plan or how clear the direction, even the most thoughtful strategy will fail without a healthy, aligned culture to carry it forward. In my career, I’ve come to know this truth firsthand.”
Both Jeffries and O’Donoghue-Ly thanked the Mathile Family Foundation for investing in non-profit leadership and inviting them to participate. Learn more about Aileron by clicking here.