Why Burnout Conversations Matter for Nonprofit LeadersYou and I both know that burnout is a silent struggle for many nonprofit leaders. The constant pressure to meet deadlines, manage teams, and keep the mission on track can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. But why is no one really talking about what helps us ditch burnout? We talk about burnout generally on social media posts, in reports from the sector, and as a topic for conferences. But are we talking about it 1-1? Are you discussing burnout with a trusted friend, mentor, or someone in your workplace? I don't mean using dark humour, being a martyr about it, or throwing it out as a catch-all phrase. What we really need to do to tackle burnout is to make it real by having individual conversations. Talk about how it's showing up in your life, what's draining your energy, and where you feel stuck. Don't be afraid to use the actual term burnout! We need to "name it to tame it!" Naming it removes the stigma and helps you and others take it seriously. Here are a couple of ways to start the conversation:With a mentor or trusted colleague: "I've been feeling close to burnout lately. I'm struggling to balance everything, and I need some guidance on how to reset." With your boss or team leader: "I want to be honest—I feel like I'm heading toward burnout. I'd love to discuss how to manage my workload more effectively." These 1-1 conversations can be the starting point for creating real, personalized solutions that can pave the way for changes in your experience and for others as well. I get it, though...Who wants to put their hand up and say you are burning out?
But here's the truth: acknowledging burnout isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign you are willing to do the hard work of developing yourself as the best leader you can be. Is that strength? Maybe. But I won't lie and tell you this is easy. It's hard. Very hard. Being vulnerable is hard, especially in a sector where the pressure to do more with less can make us feel like we have to keep pushing no matter what. However, vulnerability is exactly what's needed, both at an individual level and across the sector. When you open up about burnout and actually name it, you're not just helping yourself; you're helping to change the narrative around leadership in the nonprofit sector. You're paving the way for a culture that values balance, well-being, and sustainable leadership and aligns those values with action. When we do that, we start to change the experience for the next generation of leaders. And I'm on a mission to do that! By being honest about burnout and taking steps to address it, you're modelling the kind of leadership that prioritizes long-term impact over short-term survival. It's a shift we all need to make, and it starts with these personal, courageous conversations. Then, we need to take action. Burnout isn't inevitable—it's preventable.You don't need more hours in the day to prevent burnout. Instead, you need small, intentional habits to help you reclaim your energy, sharpen your focus, and feel more in control. Below are five surprising weekly habits that can make a big difference in how you lead and live. 5 Surprising Weekly Habits That Can Prevent BURNOUT
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February 2025
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