By Eric Hess
This article is based on a recent episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the subject of hope. If you enjoyed the insights here, be sure to listen to the full conversation for even more valuable perspectives and tips. Check out the podcast episode below!
As the CFO of Compass, an organization serving adults with developmental disabilities, Eric has taken an unconventional path to leadership. Unlike many in the human services industry, Eric’s career began in the corporate world as a financial planner.
But a chance connection changed everything. “Like most people, we discover this community through personal connections,” he explains. “Few of us go to college thinking we want to work in this field; we attend seminars or read books and realize our passion.”
For Eric, that pivotal connection was his wife, the leader of Compass. Together, they embarked on a mission to create an organization that could truly thrive.
The Heart-Head Balance in Nonprofit Leadership
A key insight Eric shares is the importance of balancing heart-led and head-managed approaches in nonprofit work. “Our heart tells us where to go; our head ensures we get there,” he explains.
This delicate balance is often a challenge in the human services sector, where passion can sometimes overshadow the need for structure and accountability. Eric has successfully merged these elements, employing tools like the balanced scorecard to measure success while remaining focused on the organization’s core mission.
Embracing a Mindset of Possibility
Eric’s leadership is characterized by his willingness to think outside the box and embrace a mindset of possibility. This outlook was shaped by his experience pursuing an MBA at Columbia University, where he was surrounded by entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers.
“My time there expanded my vision for what was possible,” he says. This experience inspired Eric and his team to develop their software product to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Driving Excellence Through Ambitious Goals
Eric’s commitment to excellence is evident in his approach to goal-setting. He encourages his team to set “10x” goals—ambitious objectives that challenge the status quo and drive transformative change.
“If you want to grow, set goals so big that they challenge your current reality,” he explains, citing the book “10x is Easier than 2x” as a key influence. This mindset of pushing boundaries has allowed Compass to achieve remarkable results, even amidst the chronic underfunding that plagues the human services sector.
Redefining Excellence in Human Service Work
At the core of Eric’s leadership is a belief that excellence is achievable, regardless of constraints. He is passionate about changing the cultural climate in the human services industry, where a “poverty mentality” and low expectations often prevail.
“Excellence is possible with current funding levels, but it requires belief and determination,” he asserts. By modeling this mindset and empowering his team to act with intention, Eric is redefining what it means to lead a successful human service organization.
As the human services sector faces significant challenges, Eric’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and approach, transformative change is not only possible but essential.