Burnt-out Charity Leader? Dig Deep, It's Time to Lead by Example
As a coach specialising in helping charity professionals overcome burnout and ensure their purposeful work is possible, I understand the toll that burnout can take on individuals, teams and organisations.
Leading a charitable organisation is a noble and rewarding pursuit, but it also comes with its share of challenges. As a charity leader, you will often find yourself at the forefront of tackling complex social issues, constantly striving to make a positive difference in the lives of those your organisation supports. The passion that drives you to do this important work can sometimes lead to neglecting your own well-being. The weight of responsibility, coupled with limited resources and the need to balance the human element of your work, can create a perfect storm for burnout.
As a leader, you have a unique opportunity to set the tone for your team's well-being and productivity. In this blog post, I share key steps you can take to lead by example, promote a healthy work culture, and prevent burnout from taking hold within your charitible organisation.
Open Communication:
Recognise that burnout can be contagious. If you are experiencing burnout, it's likely that some of your team members are too. Encourage open communication about well-being and mental health. Be vulnerable and share your own experiences with burnout, so your team members don't feel isolated. When team members feel supported, they are more likely to reach out for help and support one another through challenging times.
Be Strategic:
As a leader, you must prioritise tasks and goals strategically. Recognise that not everything can be urgent or equally important. Provide clear direction and set realistic expectations for your team. By streamlining priorities and focusing on essential tasks, you can reduce unnecessary stress and create a more manageable workload for everyone.
Implement a Burnout Policy:
Work with your HR team to develop and implement a comprehensive burnout policy. This policy should emphasise early identification of burnout symptoms and provide guidelines for seeking support. The policy should also highlight the importance of work-life balance and the use of flexible working arrangements. By acknowledging burnout as a valid concern and providing concrete actions for support, you create a culture where well-being is valued.
Promote Healthy Work Boundaries:
Lead by example and establish healthy work boundaries for your team. Encourage a culture where emails are not expected to be answered after 5pm, and encourage your team to disconnect and recharge. Consider offering half-days on Fridays to provide additional time for rest and personal pursuits. Shorten meeting durations to 50 minutes to avoid back-to-back meeting overload.
Encourage Self-Care:
Demonstrate the importance of self-care by incorporating it into your leadership style. Encourage your team to take regular breaks during the workday and prioritise self-care activities outside of work. Whether it's exercise, meditation, or spending quality time with loved ones, self-care is vital to prevent burnout and enhance overall well-being.
Recognise and Appreciate Efforts:
Recognise effort as well as outcomes! Acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and dedication of your team members regularly. Simple gestures of appreciation, such as a thank-you note or public recognition, can go a long way in boosting morale and fostering a positive work environment. Feeling valued and appreciated helps reduce the risk of burnout and increases team motivation.
In conclusion as a leader in the charity sector, you have the opportunity and dare I say responsibility to create a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises well-being and prevents burnout. By leading by example and implementing strategies like open communication, strategic prioritisation, and promoting a healthy work-life balance, you can help your team thrive and make their purposeful work possible once again.
Remember that taking care of yourself and your team is not only beneficial for your organisation but also essential for driving meaningful impact in the causes you support. So, dig deep, lead by example, and pave the way for a healthier and more purposeful work journey for your entire team.
Did support yourself or your team? Coaching can help your employees overcome burnout and make their purposeful work possible. Book a call to discuss this further.
