Charity Leaders: Strike the Balance Between Recognising Effort and Outcomes for a Healthier Work Culture
As an experienced coach with over 12 years of experience in the charity sector, I am very aware of the challenges that Charity Professionals face while striving to make a positive impact. One that is often overlooked is the recognition of effort alongside outcomes. In this blog post, I discuss the importance of acknowledging effort alongside outcomes and share strategies to nurture a healthy work culture that avoids overwhelm and encourages sustainable growth and impact.
Recognising Effort: A Key Element of Success
In the charity sector, the emphasis on outcomes is undeniable. Repeatedly, we find ourselves in a race to meet fundraising targets, help as many beneficiaries as possible, and quantify our impact for yet another funding report. However, disregarding the effort invested in achieving these outcomes can lead to stress and an unsustainable work environment where employees feel devalued.
Picture this scenario: a team member comes to the end of a fundraising appeal. They’ve met their target and feel great. As a charity leader, I’m sure you will have acknowledged their success, but did you mention their dedication to the cause and show an understanding of the challenges they encountered along the way? Doing so can cultivate a culture of empathy and support. By acknowledging the effort exerted, you not only inspire a sense of belonging but also motivate others to extend a helping hand when required.
Balancing the Figures: Impact Beyond Fundraising Metrics
Fundraisers, including myself, are well-acquainted with the constant pressure to showcase quantitative results: "How much did you raise?" or "How many people did we help?" While these metrics are fundamental markers of success, they offer only a partial perspective and it can feel like we’re moving on to the next project or appeal, before we blink. It is essential to delve deeper and pose the question, "How did we have a positive impact?" "What worked well?" "How could we have worked together better as a team to support one another?" "What more could I have done as a leader to support the project?" - These can be confronting questions and it may take bravery to ask them. However, in the long term, you will be more respected as a leader and able to communicate better with a much more content and fulfilled team. Retention anyone!?
During my time working as a fundraiser, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformation that transpired when we shifted our focus from fundraising figures alone to stories of lives transformed. This shift motivates donors externally and employees internally. Sharing anecdotes of individuals whose lives were enhanced by our efforts helped us remember the human dimension of our work and the effort taken to have such a positive impact. This practice also instilled a profound sense of purpose in each team member and productivity increased across the board.
Cultivating a Healthy Work Culture: The Importance of Acknowledgment
At the core of avoiding overwhelm and creating well-being in the charity sector is a healthy work culture, but how can this be achieved? Here are some strategies to consider:
Praise all Achievements: Acknowledge the modest achievements attained by individuals and teams. Whether it's completing a campaign, working well cross-departmentally or coming up with an innovative solution to a challenge, celebrating achievements regularly promotes a positive atmosphere, where individuals feel valued.
Regular Communication: As a coach, I have observed that when Charity Leaders regularly have discussions with their team it provides a platform for candid communication. This in turn empowers people to voice their challenges, enabling early intervention and support.
Peer Appreciation: Encourage team members to recognise each other's contributions. Peer acknowledgement not only raises morale but also nurtures a sense of camaraderie within the team. People are then more likely to support one another when needed.
Embrace Adaptability: Acknowledge that charity work entails dealing with unpredictable situations. By embracing adaptability and innovative approaches you demonstrate empathy toward the challenges individuals may encounter throughout a project or appeal and therefore you have a better understanding of the effort that went into the final result.
In conclusion, as charity leaders, you have the power to shape the work culture within our organisations. By recognising effort alongside outcomes, you can create an environment that supports people in their pursuit of sustainable purposeful work. Remember, it's not solely about "how much" or "how many," but also about "how" we positively impact lives and nurture a flourishing work community along the way.
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