Nonprofit leaders need to take care of themselves

If you don't look after yourself, you won't be able to lead your organisation as well as you should

In the final few days before the holidays, many nonprofit leaders will be feeling exhausted and overwhelmed after a year that's been even tougher than usual. The funding environment is brutal for many right now, particularly those relying on government funding. The political environment is hugely divisive, and draining. Important causes, ranging from Gaza to DEI, are consuming lots of time and energy within organisations as leaders attempt to address the vocal demands of many different constituencies.

All of which makes it particularly important for leaders to try and find time over the holidays to take care of themselves. All those issues will still be around in the new year, unfortunately, but if you don't find a way to restore yourself and replenish sagging energy levels, then you will be ill-equipped to face another challenging year.

This can be tough for many leaders, particularly those new to the job, to internalise. There's often a sense that you need to show you are working flat out all the time - not least because of the huge needs your organisation is trying to address. But that way leads to burnout.

If you don't look after yourself, you won't be well placed to lead your organisation as well as you should, negatively impacting your organisation's staff and mission. So leaders should invest in their own well-being as part of their investment in their leadership - better equipping them to take on the challenges ahead.

Happy holidays to you all, and may you all come back refreshed and excited for the opportunities to make a difference in 2025.