by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
A few years ago, a woman named Eliza reigned supreme in the nonprofit sector of Dyersburg, TN. A charismatic figure with a network that stretched far and wide, she thrived on exclusivity and insider knowledge. Gossip flowed through her like a river, shaping perceptions and influencing decisions. Newcomers sought her approval, established players feared her disapproval, and Eliza basked in the glow of her self-created power. She was able to use her status to shape the overall direction of the nonprofit sector, influence how funders gave, and help lift up people she deemed worthy.
However, her reign was built on shaky foundations. Eliza’s competitive nature often overshadowed her organization’s mission, and her penchant for gossip created a toxic environment within the sector. Trust eroded, collaborations faltered, and the community’s collective impact suffered. The whispers grew louder, questioning Eliza’s motives and the true value she brought to the table. People began to feel the sting of her harsh rejections, and they distrusted some of her methods, some of which were weaponized to hurt people’s careers and organizations. She divided more than she brought people together. At the end of the day, it became clear Eliza was doing this to support herself, not the nonprofit sector or the individual nonprofit leaders.
A turning point arrived when a group of emerging leaders, tired of the negativity and division, decided to forge their own path. They prioritized collaboration, transparency, and a genuine commitment to their shared mission. Their positive energy resonated throughout the community, attracting new allies and inspiring others to step out of Eliza’s shadow. As the movement gained momentum, Eliza’s influence waned, her gossip losing its sting. She was left to watch from the sidelines as the nonprofit sector thrived without her, a poignant reminder that true power lies not in division, but in unity.
Years later, we haven’t heard much from Eliza. Someone told me that she is now working in a corporate position far, far away from the nonprofit world. I wonder if she learned her lesson.
Having power and influence in the nonprofit sector is important, but not for the reasons you think. Having influence to shape the conversations in the nonprofit world helps further your own mission, support the communities you serve, and steer the direction of other nonprofits in the direction you’re heading to achieve maximum collective impact. However, sometimes people can gain power and weaponize it, and their need for power is driven by ego rather than as a method of mission fulfillment.
Below are six types of folks who often gain power but very easily lose it. Do you see yourself in one of these archetypes? If so, we provide some specific “fixes” to the problem.
1. Gatekeeping: The Information Hoarder
Knowledge is power, but hoarding it is a surefire way to lose influence. When you withhold critical information, whether it’s about funding opportunities, best practices, or emerging trends, you isolate yourself. You become the person no one wants to work with because they fear being left out of the loop. True leaders don’t need to gatekeep.
- The Fix: Be generous with your knowledge. Share information freely and foster a culture of openness. Connect people to one another and to like-minded organizations. Don’t think from a scarcity mindset. This builds trust and positions you as a valuable resource.
2. Gossip: The Rumor Mill Operator
Gossip is toxic in any setting, but it’s especially damaging in the nonprofit world, where reputations are precious. Spreading rumors or engaging in negative talk about other individuals or organizations erodes trust and paints you as untrustworthy. Have a problem with an organization? Go directly to them. Hear some negative gossip about a nonprofit leader? Don’t spread it.
- The Fix: Focus on positive, constructive conversations. If you have concerns, address them directly with the person involved, rather than fueling the gossip mill.
3. Intentionally Hurting People or Organizations: The Saboteur
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth stating: intentionally undermining others is a recipe for disaster. Whether it’s sabotaging a colleague’s project, spreading misinformation about a rival organization, or actively trying to harm someone’s career, this behavior is morally reprehensible and will ultimately backfire. This happens more often than we would like to think. You’ll only push the victim farther away from you and lose all influence with them, their organizations, and anyone who knows about your sabotage.
- The Fix: Act with integrity and respect for others. Focus on collaboration and building up the sector, rather than tearing others down.
4. Not Doing What You Say or Following Through: The Unreliable Partner
In the nonprofit world, your word is your bond. When you consistently fail to deliver on promises, miss deadlines, or renege on commitments, you lose credibility. People stop taking you seriously, and your influence dwindles.
- The Fix: Be reliable and accountable. Do what you say you’re going to do, and communicate proactively if there are any obstacles.
5. Viewing Other Nonprofits as Competitors: The Zero-Sum Thinker
While competition can be healthy in some contexts, a zero-sum mindset is counterproductive in the nonprofit sector. When you view other organizations as rivals rather than potential collaborators, you miss out on valuable opportunities for partnership and shared impact.
- The Fix: Embrace a collaborative spirit. Look for ways to partner with other organizations, share resources, and learn from each other.
6. Not Sharing Power: The Control Freak
Want to be powerful and influential in the nonprofit sector? SHARE. YOUR. POWER. A reluctance to share power can be a major obstacle to influence. When you hoard decision-making authority, stifle diverse perspectives, and refuse to empower others, you create resentment and limit your organization’s potential.
- The Fix: Foster a culture of shared leadership in the sector and within your own organizations. Empower your team, encourage collaboration, and value diverse voices.
Power and influence in the nonprofit sector are earned through trust, integrity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. Avoid these common pitfalls, and you can build a reputation as a valuable and influential leader. Unlike Eliza, you’ll be able to have influence for a long time!