Leadership during tough times-Be the Leader that they will never forget

We live in volatile times.

The word “unprecedented” seems to show up every single day.

Nonprofits are in the crosshairs.And those who need the most are lining up for services more and more each day.

Now is the time to be the leader everyone talks about.

I’ve held leadership roles…

• After 9/11

• During the Banking Crisis

• When the world closed during COVID

• And most recently, during the government shutdown

The roots of Team Kat & Mouse actually go back to the early months of COVID. I was frustrated watching so many nonprofit professionals freeze—not because they didn’t care, but because uncertainty felt overwhelming. We knew we had to do something…BIG…audacious…purposeful. Something that would challenge Amy, Ben, and me to step forward boldly.

Strong leadership is an everyday choice—one that pays double dividends during times of crisis. Make a commitment today to be that leader.

So what does that look like right now?

It looks like stepping toward uncertainty instead of waiting for someone else to go first.It looks like calling the donor, checking in with the funder, asking hard questions—and yes—asking boldly for support because your mission matters.

It means choosing courage instead of caution.It means waking up every morning deciding that serving your community is more important than protecting your own comfort.

Be the leader who…

• Acts instead of reacts• Listens before defending• Takes responsibility instead of pointing fingers• Moves resources faster, not slower• Believes impact is possible—even now

We don’t need another meeting about “what we might do.”

We need action, imagination, and a willingness to be uncomfortable.

This Means…

• Hire smart, relentless fundraisers who are coachable...And if you don’t have time or skills to coach—hire a consultant (yes, that’s us).

• Meet each employee where they are. Ask how they like to be coached.

Ask:

• “How can I help you?”

• “What can we do better or differently next time?”

• “How do you think we should approach this situation?”

Say please. 

Say thank you. 

And when you make a mistake—own it (yes, even the famous “I thought you knew that!”).

Remind your team that you’re in this together. Serving people who (fill in your mission) doesn’t happen alone—it takes a united team.

And my biggest personal challenge: keep control of yourself. Excitement and anxiety are both contagious—so be the calm, steady presence your team needs.

So yes, please be strong in these “unprecedented times.”

The world needs brave leaders more than ever—and that leader can be you.This is your moment.

But as I’ve said before—none of us has to do this alone.

If you need support, guidance, or just someone to strategize with…please reach out to Team Kat & Mouse. 

We are Nonprofit consultants built for these times.