Navigating Change: How to Stay Sane, Adapt, and Thrive
Hey there, nonprofit warriors! 👋
If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope—blindfolded—welcome to the club.
Change in the nonprofit world isn’t just inevitable; it’s practically our middle name. But here’s the kicker: with the right mindset and a sprinkle of strategy, we can not only survive the chaos but actually dance in it.
The 9/11 Wake-Up Call
Back in 2001, I was leading an organization committed to combating bias, bigotry, and racism. Then 9/11 happened. Suddenly, our community’s needs shifted dramatically. We saw our community with a big appetite to get to know their neighbors. They wanted to lean in instead of build walls.
Foundations reached out, offering funding to expand our programs. We ramped up our staff by 40%, launched three new initiatives, including Breaking Bread for Leaders, and increased our budget by 50%.
Sounds like a success story, right? Well, sort of. Within 15 months, many of my colleagues burned out and left. The rapid change, while necessary, took a toll on our team. It was a harsh lesson: change is essential, but without proper support, it can be exhausting.
Why Change Feels Like a Threat
Change messes with our sense of security. In mission-driven work, our identity is often tied to our cause. So when change knocks, it feels personal. I’ve been there—resisting change because it felt like a betrayal of our mission.
But here’s the truth: resisting change doesn’t protect us; it holds us back. As Peter Drucker wisely said, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence itself, but to act with yesterday’s logic.”
Understanding Your Resistance
Let’s get real. We all have our go-to reactions when change looms:
- Denial: “This too shall pass.”
- Avoidance: “If I don’t acknowledge it, it’s not real.”
- Passive-aggressiveness: “Sure, let’s add another initiative… said no one ever.”
Recognizing these patterns is the first step. Change isn’t just external; it’s an inside job.
Reframing Change: From Threat to Opportunity
Instead of viewing change as a monster under the bed, let’s see it as a plot twist in our story. Ask yourself:
- What new opportunities does this change present?
- How can this shift align with our mission?
- What can we learn from this disruption?
Sometimes, losing funding forces us to innovate. Other times, a policy change opens doors we didn’t know existed. Embrace the plot twist.
Tools to Navigate the Unknown
When the path ahead is foggy, these tools can be your flashlight:
Scenario Planning: Map out possible futures and prepare for each scenario. I did this when I saw income wasn’t matching our budget. I got creative. I also invited my senior staff to be part of this exercise. I was always amazed that they could see scenarios that weren’t on my radar.
SWOT Analysis: Assess your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. I love doing SWOTs! It’s a great way to really get a 360-degree view of your organization. I created some great partnerships by identifying who our “threats” were (and we were theirs) and collaborating to cut expenses and lead bigger initiatives together.
Mindfulness Practices: I wish I knew about this tool earlier! By staying grounded amidst the whirlwind, I was able to reduce my stress. When I wasn’t allowing stress and fear to take control and make decisions, I made better choices. One of my favorite tools to help me with this is the app, Pause, Breathe and Reflect.
These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re lifelines.
Empowering Your Team Through Transitions
Support your team by:
- Clarifying the ‘Why’: Explain the reasons behind the change.
- Involving Them in Decisions: Give them a seat at the table.
- Providing Training: Equip them with the skills needed for the new landscape.
Empowerment isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategy.
🌟 Silver Linings: Stories of Growth
I’ve seen my own organizations turn adversity into advantage. When I was working for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas running their foundation, The Caring Foundation, we were struggling with a long-time partner. We really appreciated them, but we needed more resources than we could give. Friction started building because our needs couldn’t be met.
I took a step back and really looked at what we wanted to accomplish and what other resources were available. There was a resource right in front of our face that we hadn’t tapped into: school nurses!
This struggle allowed us to create a new program that helped more children get free immunizations, making it easier for parents by hosting in-school immunization clinics for key districts. It was a win-win.
Once we completely broke down the old program, we could put energy behind coming up with a new solution. Our old partner was able to become involved in the new program in a way that was more manageable for them.
Change can be the catalyst for growth—if we let it.
🧘♀️ Self-Care: The Non-Negotiable
In the midst of change, burnout can happen, and you don’t see it until it’s too late. Don’t forget to care for the most important asset—you! Know that self care is not just about massages and manicures…. Here is an article about self care.
Set Boundaries: Know when to say no. In the scenario I mentioned, I had to tell my board that we needed to stop putting duct tape on the current program and pause it to allow us to rest and regroup. Without that time, the solution wouldn’t have been as good as it was.
Practice Mindfulness: Even five minutes a day can make a difference. When we’re stressed, we make decisions based on low energy levels called catabolic energy.
Seek Support: Talk to a coach, mentor, or therapist. Don’t do it alone. Stress isn’t good for anyone.
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a warning sign.
Quick Wins for Building Adaptability
Ready to take action? Start here:
- Cross-Train Staff: Reduce dependency on any one person.
- Foster a Learning Culture: Encourage continuous growth.
- Regularly Assess Community Needs: Stay aligned with those you serve.
Small steps lead to big changes.
Change is hard, messy, and often uncomfortable. But it’s also the breeding ground for innovation, growth, and resilience. So, let’s not just brace for change—let’s embrace it, dance with it, and let it propel us toward a brighter future.
You’ve got this. And remember, in the nonprofit world, change isn’t the enemy; it’s the catalyst.
Christine Kutnick, CFRE, PCC is called by her friends a “joyologist,” dedicated to helping individuals rediscover joy and harmony in their lives. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, Christine has raised millions for organizations championing equality, education, and healthcare. Her commitment to creating positive change has been the cornerstone of her career.
In 2021, after years of relentless dedication, Christine recognized the toll her work was taking on her health and well-being. She made the courageous decision to step off the nonprofit hamster wheel, embarking on a six-month journey of self-discovery and travel. Encouraged by friends who saw her innate coaching abilities, Christine pursued certification as a professional coach.
Today, she leverages her rich background and personal experiences to guide others in making transformative changes, fostering a life filled with joy and harmony with her coaching practice, muditacoach.com