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From: Sara Herschander
Subject: Leading Through Uncertainty
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With a new presidential administration just around the corner and a likely prolonged period of uncertainty ahead, leaders across the nonprofit world are struggling with what to say and how to say it.
In her latest piece on navigating uncertainty, my colleague Lisa Schohl finds that the experts overwhelmingly agree that one of the most important baseline things a leader should do during turbulent times is simple: say something.
“You can’t overcommunicate,” Nancy Koehn, a historian and Harvard business professor, stressed to Lisa, noting that staying silent on important issues is a disservice to staff, donors, or partners who might deem a leader out of touch with their concerns.
Instead, Koehn recommends that leaders use a “nausea index” to gauge the right internal and external communication level. “If at the end of the day you’ve said something so many times you feel sick to your stomach, you are right on target,” she said. “I’m very serious — you are communicating adequately.”
Whether writing a donor note, posting on social media, or hosting an internal town hall, leaders must strike a balance between emphasizing the mission and calming anxieties, experts told Lisa, while also acknowledging and affirming the real concerns some have about what’s next.
“You don’t want to overreact; you don’t want to underreact and say, ‘Tut, tut, everything will be fine,’” nonprofit consultant Alan Cantor told Lisa.
For all of the tips for getting through uncertain times, from raising money to helping staff take care of themselves, check out Lisa’s article: How to Lead Well in Uncertain Times.
You might also want to check out our recent online forum, coverage of what to expect next on Capitol Hill, how charities are self-reflecting post-election, and questions to ask amid this new era of uncertainty.
Have a lovely week,
Sara Herschander
Staff Reporter
P.S. Nonprofit Adviser will be taking a break for the holidays. We’ll be back in your inbox on Monday, January 13.
Tip of the Week
After a particularly noisy election, now is the time to re-engage supporters about your mission and priorities and talk with constituents about their continued support, says Carla Willis, managing partner at Washburn & McGoldrick, a firm that specializes in fundraising for higher-education institutions running multiyear campaigns. It’s critical to stay focused on the priorities of raising funds, she adds. “Philanthropy need not be politicized.” To learn more, read Should Nonprofits Cite the Election in Year-End Appeals? Experts Say: It Depends.
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