The Top 5 Mistakes New Center Directors Make and How to Avoid Them

Stepping into a leadership role at a pregnancy medical center is exciting—and overwhelming. Whether you come from a nonprofit background or are new to this space, leading a life-affirming clinic takes compassion, strategic thinking, and a lot of grace. But even the most passionate directors can stumble early on without even realizing it.

In this article, I will discuss the top five mistakes new center directors often make and how you can lead with wisdom instead.

1. Making Too Many Changes Without Enough Information

The urge to “fix” everything can be strong. But reacting without fully understanding your center’s current systems, culture, and community needs can lead to confusion, burnout, and broken trust.

• Why it happens: New directors often want to prove themselves or improve efficiency fast.

• The risk: You may unintentionally disrupt what’s already working well or alienate your staff and volunteers.

  
  

How to avoid it:

• Spend your first 30–60 days observing, asking questions, and listening.

• Meet one-on-one with staff, volunteers, and board members.

• Review data, historical decisions, and client feedback.

• Resist the temptation to overhaul systems until you have a full picture.

  
  

Quick decisions without context can cause more harm than good—especially in a ministry built on trust and relationships.

2. Neglecting Board Communication

When communication breaks down, leadership becomes isolated. New directors sometimes hesitate to engage their board beyond required meetings, either out of insecurity or not wanting to "bother" them. But the board isn't just a formality—it's your support system, sounding board, and accountability team.

• Why it matters: A disengaged board can lead to delayed decisions, unclear priorities, or even mission drift.

  
  

How to avoid it:

• Schedule regular updates—monthly emails or quarterly meetings work well.

• Be transparent about challenges and open to feedback.

• Involve them in goal setting to keep them connected and aligned with your vision.

  
  

Strong board relationships lead to stronger centers.

3. Underestimating the Power of Culture

Culture shapes how your team shows up every single day. Directors who focus solely on tasks and overlook team dynamics may experience high turnover, poor communication, or loss of moral

• Leads to poor productivity

• Volunteer disengagement

• Unnecessary Conflict

  
  

How to avoid it:

• Invest time in team-building and prayer.

• Make space for feedback and regular check-ins.

• Celebrate small wins to boost morale and mission alignment.

  
  

A healthy culture nurtures both your team and your clients.

4. Skipping Training or Onboarding Updates

Training isn’t just for volunteers.It starts with you. One of the most overlooked mistakes new directors make is assuming they’re exempt from the training process. But as the leader, you need a full understanding of every aspect of your center, from software systems to client services. This will ensure you are able to lead with clarity and confidence.

• Why it matters: If you’re unfamiliar with the workflows, tools, and policies your team uses every day, you can’t accurately assess what’s working or support your staff effectively.

• Common gaps: Directors may skip training modules, overlook client service procedures, or delay learning the center’s digital tools.

  
  

How to avoid it:

• Commit to going through the same training your staff and volunteers receive.

• Schedule time with each department to learn their workflows and challenges.

• Review all client care and medical protocols alongside your leadership team.

• Identify outdated materials or gaps from the top down—and lead the charge in updating them.

  
  

Leadership that models learning creates a culture of excellence and unity.

5. Overcommitting to External Programs or Partnerships

Good intentions can stretch your team too thin. Many directors want to say yes to every speaking opportunity, church outreach, or community initiative. But overcommitment often leads to burnout—and sometimes distracts from your core services.

• Common traps: Agreeing to every invitation, joining coalitions without clear goals, or launching new programs without sustainable support.

  
  

How to avoid it:

• Pray for discernment when considering invitations and new initiatives.

• Align every partnership with your mission and capacity.

• Use a simple checklist: Does it serve our clients? Do we have the staff? Will it bear fruit?

• It’s okay to pause or decline with grace.

  
  

Sometimes, protecting your “yes” is the wisest leadership move you can make.

Final Thoughts

Leading a pregnancy medical center is sacred work. You don’t have to be perfect, you just need to stay prayerful, humble, and informed. Remember: intentional leadership starts with listening. Avoid the trap of early overhauls and lean into wisdom that comes from understanding.