Dacia Moore, LPC, NBCC dives right into one of the biggest and all too common drawbacks of the nonprofit sector: BURNOUT. She draws from her training as a Licensed Professional Counselor, nonprofit executive search partner and personal experience with burnout to teach us how to manage our own emotional regulation and find long-term success in the nonprofit sector.

Nurture a Championship Mindset. This isn’t about winning a sports trophy. This is about resilience, optimism, and a burning desire to work with excellence. It sounds like, “I’m in this for the long haul, we’re doing a good job and getting better everyday.” Acknowledge what needs to be improved and give the most energy to what works well. Avoid perfectionism, it will kill you.

Sweeping your own doorstep, an idea she learned from Mother Theresa. Do what you can and what’s in front of you. In a nonprofit leadership context this means not doing other people’s job instead delegate and trust your staff. Then support the staff. Nonprofit leaders need to provide direction and vision and then move over to let staff execute.

Remember that your piece, whatever it is matters. You matter and we can think about a tiny bolt to illustrate this. There was a bolt that got loose and an airplane door flew off midflight. Leaders need to focus on their part. Be the bolt, don’t try to be the bolt, the plane, the FAA…

And as you are working, remember that we all play to mixed reviews. In any group, you will have 40% with you, 40% not with you and 20% on the fence. Recognize the negativity bias, spend the bulk of your energy on those who are on the fence and those who are with you.

As a job seeker, try to determine if the organization has healthy boundaries. Ask about the last person who was in this role, how long did they stay? What are the key traits of the next person who fills this role? How does the person that is interviewing you maintain healthy boundaries? Consider the interview process, was it designed to allow conversation or were you as a candidate just grilled by staff?

Dacia leaves us with two big ideas:

If Oprah and Michelle Obama can do it, so can you. Think of those who you admire. They’re all human. If they can figure out how to achieve excellence and have balance, then you can too.

Protect your mental and physical health; they are too important not to take care of them. The nonprofit sector needs leaders who can sustain their energy and keep coming back to do this challenging work.

Resources:

DaciaMoore.com

From Stuck to Unstoppable: 5 Strategies for Getting Your Second Wind

ABOUT THE GUEST:

For eight years, Dacia L. Moore served as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization, driving its significant growth and success as a vibrant community resource. Her extensive background in fundraising, philanthropy, behavioral health, and non-profit management helped diversify the participants served and staff employed.

Throughout her career, she has established a strong track record of enhancing organizational processes, motivating teams, and exceeding established targets. She now shares this expertise through workshops, keynotes, professional coaching, and counseling. She also contributes as a Senior Recruiter with Moran & Company, assisting non-profits in finding their next great leaders. As a Published Author, Radio Host, and Former Adjunct Professor, she helps organizations and leaders improve mental resilience.