Let’s talk about something every nonprofit CEO and Executive Director will face… and usually at the most inconvenient moment possible.

Picture this: It’s Monday morning. You’re halfway through your first cup of coffee, still convincing yourself this is going to be a productive day. 

You open your inbox, and there it is… a subject line from a staff member that reads: “Quick Chat?”

Now, we both know “Quick Chat” means anything but quick. 

It’s code for: This is going to be emotionally draining and possibly ruin your week.

Immediately, your brain kicks into overdrive: Are they quitting? Are they upset with me? Is this about the holiday party budget again? The possibilities are endless and none of them seem good.

If you’ve ever felt that stomach drop, you’re not alone. Every leader has been there.

But here’s the thing; those next few minutes matter more than you think. Because how you respond can either…

Today, we’re diving into how to handle even the messiest staffing challenges with composure, clarity, and yes… grace.

When I was leading MyLifeLine Cancer Foundation, I had one week where two staff members were in a cold war, a major donor report was due, and my board chair had just sent me an “urgent” email about a typo in our newsletter.

I wish I could tell you I handled it like a leadership ninja. But in reality? I overreacted. I rushed into decisions without understanding the full picture. I sent a late-night email trying to “fix” things which only made it worse.

What I learned that week was this: urgency is not always your friend. And grace doesn’t come from moving faster. It comes from slowing down just enough to make a better call.

The Grace Equation

When I say “grace,” I don’t mean letting things slide or avoiding tough conversations. 

Grace in leadership means you:

Practical Leadership Tips for Nonprofit CEOs & Executive Directors

Here’s a quick conflict triage checklist you can use:

When in doubt, lead with curiosity. And remember, the first conversation is about understanding, not defending.

A nonprofit CEO I coach had a staff member who was quietly undermining a new initiative. Instead of calling him out in a meeting, she invited him to coffee. She asked what his biggest concerns were. She listened. And then, together, they adjusted the plan, improving it in ways that got full team buy-in.

That staff member went from resistant to one of the biggest champions of the project.

Here’s your Spark Plug Shift:
Your calm presence can lower the temperature faster than any policy.

Pause, breathe, and ask yourself: “What outcome will serve the organization, the mission, and the people?”

Before you act, talk it through with a trusted peer or confidante to process the emotions and see the situation more clearly.

Navigating staff challenges isn’t about perfection…it’s about showing up with grace and steadiness, even when you’re standing in the middle of the storm. 

IF there’s even a hint of legal risk from harassment claims, wrongful termination concerns, policy violations, that’s your cue to call in a qualified HR advisor. They can help you protect yourself, your team, and your organization.

As my grandma always reminded me, “This too shall pass.” 

But while you’re weathering it, your own health and well-being must be non-negotiable. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a targeted strategy that sustains your energy for the long game.

Get the protection, guidance, and support you need.

Remember, you are meant for great things, and you don’t have to burn out to prove it.

TOPIC: Lead with Confidence, Podcast, Set Boundaries