By: Lee Nowell, Senior Fundraising Consultant
Stepping into an executive leadership role often comes with an unexpected reality check: hidden financial strains, burned-out staff, and the realization that you are steering the ship alone. When the honeymoon phase fades and the real challenges set in, finding a clear path forward, and someone to talk it through with, can feel almost impossible.
Here are some things that I’ve done in executive leadership roles. I hope they’re helpful for you:
Preventing Staff Burnout
Look at the calendar and create what I call a “pause” for the full-time staff. This could be time off after a major program ends or a seasonal pause in between programs. It doesn’t matter how often this happens, but your staff needs time to rest and recharge throughout the year, and so do you.
Rethink or Rework the “Stupid Hard Tasks”
Working at a nonprofit is challenging. Some tasks are hard. Some tasks are what I call “stupid hard.” A stupid hard task is one that is not only difficult, but is also cumbersome. It could also be structured in a way that is outmoded, or takes longer to complete than necessary. So think about changing it. Rework the things that will make the task and work easier on a day-to-day basis for you and your team.
Consider bringing this up at a staff meeting. Ask the team to consider which of their tasks are stupid hard, and then talk about how to make them easier.
Consider trading a stupid hard task with someone who actually enjoys doing it, and suddenly it will be just a task.
You May Need a Thought Partner
Being a nonprofit leader can be lonely, but you don’t have to do this by yourself. Build your network. Seek out and talk with executive leaders at different organizations. Your confidential information should never be disclosed, of course, but talking with other leaders about challenges or ways that they’ve handled things can be helpful.
You can also hire a consultant with executive leadership experience. With a consultant, you can be 100% transparent about what is happening and what you feel your options are. They can help guide you through strategies and solutions you might not have considered, and all conversations are confidential.
Keep a Level Head
When things become stressful because of finances, staff issues, or anything else, I suggest taking a pause by doing something away from your desk. Sometimes you need to change your environment to calm yourself and allow new ideas or solutions to emerge.
Maintain a personal life outside of work. This shrinks the amount of space that work takes up in your brain, it gives your nervous system a rest, and it can help you get a healthier perspective on life.
Leadership doesn't mean you have to carry the weight alone or burn out alongside your team. By prioritizing your team’s well-being, streamlining heavy workflows, seeking out external thought partners, and protecting your own personal boundaries, you set a sustainable standard for the entire organization. Navigating these moments with clarity and composure won't just save your culture, it will secure your long-term impact.
When things get stressful, no matter what, remember to take care of yourself.
