Meet Ben.

Ben has a degree in the arts, and law is his passion. I already knew he had plans to attend university in the fall.

Suddenly though, I heard through the grapevine that he switched his major to social work.

I ran into Ben recently.

"Why social work? Where did that come from?" I asked.

"Well, it's an office job. Government...so it's secure. And benefits." He was searching for the right answer. Probably the one that would get me to stop the inquiry.

I continued...

"Who have you been listening to?"

"Well, I was talking to Glen. Glen thinks I should go into social work."

I know Glen. He's a teacher.

So Glen convinced Ben to give up law - his absolute love for years now - to go into social work. Got it.

Meet Chris.

He's 19 and naturally a very strong football player. He played all the way through high school.

Chris has been on track to play professional football for some time. He was recruited by a school that will cost him $100,000 over 4 years. He has no money saved, but he is set to go this fall.

I ran into Chris recently.

He said, "You know I'm supposed to go to school in the fall, right? I'm not going."

I was genuinely surprised. "Oh really? That's interesting. What changed?"

Chris continued, "I stopped listening to everyone who said I was gonna make it big. I don't want to make it big. I want to work with people. I'm never going to love football like everyone else loves it for me. So, I'm gonna save some money. I'm going into the police force. I've always wanted to do that. I'm gonna work. If I go into all that debt for something I don't love - I'll come out with debt AND regret. I'm not doing it."

Wow. What a difference between Chris and Ben.

Someone who listens to someone else, and in ONE conversation, changes their path and ignores their heart.

Someone who has a path clearly laid out for them, but listens to their heart and says, "No, I'm following my own path."

Nonprofit Leaders: Be mindful of who you are listening to.

You've got a lot of people around you. There is nothing inherently wrong with seeking guidance, input, or advice.

Don't let their position, their credentials, their designations, or their hierarchy lead you astray.

Instead, listen to the people around you from their lived experience.

And compare it to what you already know.

Because the truth is, you already know what to do.

“Your own heart never lies. Ask - what is the right action for this moment? Follow your deepest truth.”
- Brandon Bays

Sheree Allison merges the worlds of fundraising, marketing, and leadership combined with an entrepreneurial spirit to train and develop nonprofit leaders who are committed to building a world class organization. Connect and learn more about her "rags to riches" nonprofit success story, her book, and her weekly column at www.shereeallison.com.