From Burnout to Balance: Leading Through Gratitude
November invites us to pause (but not really, because you’re in the middle of end-of-year fundraising madness) and reflect on gratitude. We know this is a cliche, but it’s as good a reason as any to talk about gratitude!
As nonprofit leaders, you're navigating the ‘shitshow’ that is our current experience, and along with it, the emotional weight of the work itself. But even in this demanding landscape, gratitude isn't a luxury; it's essential fuel for sustainable leadership.
Research consistently shows that organizations with cultures of appreciation experience higher employee engagement, lower turnover, and stronger team cohesion. For example, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that “employees who feel valued” are 73% less likely to consider quitting. For nonprofits operating on limited resources, these outcomes aren't just nice to have; they're mission-critical.
Gratitude in leadership extends far beyond acknowledgment cards and annual appreciation events. It's about cultivating a mindset that recognizes the extraordinary commitment of everyone contributing to your mission, from your board members who volunteer countless hours, to your program staff working directly with communities, to the donors who believe in your vision.
So what does gratitude look like in practice? Here are some ideas:
Create Gratitude Rituals: Start team meetings by sharing wins and acknowledging contributions. Make gratitude a regular part of your organizational rhythm, not just an annual event.
Express Gratitude Publicly and Privately: Some people appreciate public recognition; others prefer private acknowledgment. Know your team and tailor your approach accordingly.
Model Gratitude from the Top: When, in your role as a leader, you openly express appreciation and acknowledge your own learning moments, you give others permission to do the same. It’s contagious!
Some of the most profound gratitude emerges from challenges overcome together. Perhaps this year brought more denied grants, other funding losses, difficult value-based decisions, challenges to your identity as an organization and/or the community you serve, or unexpected staff transitions. Even amid difficulty, there are opportunities to express gratitude: for teams that rallied, lessons learned, and resilience discovered.
This month, consider implementing a simple practice: Each week, identify three specific things you're grateful for in your organization. Write them down. Share at least one with the person or team involved. Notice how this small practice shifts your perspective and energy. We know, it’s easy to fall into the negativity trap or feed into the doom and gloom.
Your mission is vital. Your team is dedicated. You are essential. The communities you serve need you. And in the midst of all the planning, fundraising, and problem-solving, taking time to acknowledge what's working and who's making it happen isn't a distraction from the work; it's essential to sustaining it.