In my corner of the world there’s been some very public, hard news about an important non-profit and I’m supporting some other groups having a hard time or recovering from poor leadership. I’ve been doing some real soul-searching about how unsustainable the non-profit model is, how much we ask ED’s to shoulder, and what my role is in best supporting these organizations that I care so much about.
This isn’t a commentary on the specific situations in my orbit, but all of it gives me a chance to reflect on some warning signs that I hope all of are paying attention as we work in, support, or steward these organizations that do so much for our communities. Start asking more questions if:
An ED has been in their role more than 12 years. Of course there are exceptions, but in my experience, even the best leaders start losing their effectiveness at or before this marker. It is always my fervent wish that leaders decide to move on while they are on top. It’s wonderful to be missed when you leave instead of burned out or worse.
Senior leaders aren’t seeking out coaching, peer learning, or other kinds of accountability and growth. It is so easy to get caught up in the tyranny of the urgent and to think we don’t have time for this kind of development. It is absolutely imperative that leaders have places to be vulnerable, be challenged, and to practice what they are preaching.
Board members never challenge the ED. Of course, we want governance (not operations) boards who stay out of the org’s daily business and empower their ED to manage a capable staff. But they need to know enough to challenge the ED. It should be absolutely normal that they ask hard questions, and that the ED meets those questions with curiosity and even gratitude.
No one seems to be having fun anymore. It’s hard work serving unhoused people, working on climate change, or increasing access to mental health services. These are serious things! But the healthiest organizations understand they need to have fun together. They need to take time off, make the staff lunchroom a cheerful place, watch out for a savior complex, and maybe even play some practical jokes on each other (my favorite).
There is a constant churn of staff. This could mean a lot of things—the org isn’t paying enough or it’s not supporting its people. Often, it means big-hearted already-wounded people are quickly burned out by historical trauma, lack of structure, unclear mission, limited paths for development, and the idea that their passion for the work will be enough to sustain them.
So, what’s a leader to do?! Why would anyone ever say “yes” to these kinds of challenges?
Purpose. Calling. Joy. Good old-fashioned LOVE. And because we can do amazing things together. The Center for Action and Contemplation quotes the recently passed Dr. Barbara Holmes in their newsletter this week:
Jesus, Muhammed, Buddha, and others—their stories of resistance, survival, and faith inspire and guide us. We have to know that we’re not alone. Despite a concerted social effort to convince us that we are radical individuals, that our motto should be “I’ll get mine, you get yours,” a deeply communal spirit arises when we least expect it and when we need it most. According to author James Baldwin, we are a community of witnesses with responsibilities to the next generation. He says, “Nothing is fixed forever and forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. Generations do not cease to be born, and we are responsible to them because we are the only witnesses they have.”
Oh boy. Barbara throws that James Baldwin quote in there and I’m crying. We have responsibilities to each other and to the generations that come after us. That is absolutely why I get up in the morning, and it’s what fuels so many of the organizations I support.
I have been blessed, just this week, to collaborate with many leaders who deeply understand and embrace their calling to facilitate joyful, productive teams. Almost every day, I say to myself, “I have the best job in the world.” Hang in there, friends. I’m rooting for you!