by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
If we know anything as nonprofit professionals, it’s that our friends over in corporate mistakenly think nonprofits are easy workplaces. They aren’t. They are complicated and challenging on the best days. The passion for our work can often collide with the harsh realities of limited resources, office politics that rival a Shakespearean drama, a lack of professional development opportunities, and salaries that make you question your life choices. (As Independent Sector recently reported, 22% of nonprofit employees faced economic hardships in 2022.) The least you can ask for in such a demanding environment is a positive and supportive workplace. But alas, sometimes the fit just isn’t right. Maybe the organization’s culture is toxic, or perhaps you’re the one bringing the negativity (hey, it happens). Either way, it’s crucial to recognize that nonprofit work can be grueling, and burnout is a very real threat. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s essential for sustainable impact.
The Quitting Conundrum: Pause, Reflect, and Reassess
The decision to quit a nonprofit job shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important to pause, reflect, and honestly assess the situation before making a hasty exit. Sometimes, a single problematic incident or a clash with a colleague can cloud our judgment. Perhaps a candid conversation or setting new boundaries can resolve the issue and salvage the situation. Other times, a toxic work environment or a fundamental misalignment with the organization’s values might necessitate a more drastic change. The key is to be introspective, analyze the root causes of your dissatisfaction, and explore all possible solutions before making the leap.
If you’re a nonprofit warrior wondering if your current gig is a dream job or a slow-motion meltdown, the Gallup 12 Key Questions might be your unlikely savior. These 12 questions, developed by the Gallup organization, have long been used by companies to gauge employee engagement. But let’s turn the tables. Instead of measuring your engagement, let’s see if your organization is truly worthy of your talents and dedication using this same tool.
Gallup 12: A Brief History
The Gallup 12 Key Questions were born out of extensive research into the factors that contribute to employee engagement and productivity. Gallup’s studies revealed that employees who responded positively to these 12 questions were more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to their organizations. The questions cover a range of topics, from clarity of expectations and access to resources to opportunities for growth and recognition.
Flipping the Script: The Employee’s Perspective
While the Gallup 12 is traditionally used by organizations to assess their workforce, we’re going to take a different approach. We’re going to empower you, the nonprofit employee, to use these questions as a self-assessment tool. We’re going to flip the script and see if your organization is meeting your needs and fostering your growth.
The Gallup 12: A Nonprofit Employee’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” Quiz
Let’s dive into the reimagined Gallup 12 questions, designed to help you assess your current nonprofit job and decide if it’s time to move on or stay put. Our advice is to take out a sheet of paper and write out these questions, answering each of them honestly. It’s up to you to decide how many negative responses equal jumping ship, but they are a starting point for truly assessing your situation.
- Clarity of Expectations: Do you have a clear understanding of your role and responsibilities, or are you constantly swimming in a sea of ambiguity?
- Resources and Tools: Are you equipped with the necessary resources to perform your job effectively, or are you constantly MacGyvering solutions with limited resources in ridiculous ways?
- Strengths Utilization: Are you able to utilize your strengths and skills in your current role, or are your talents being underutilized or even ignored?
- Appreciation and Recognition: Do you feel valued and appreciated for your contributions, or are your efforts met with crickets?
- Feeling Valued: Do your supervisor and colleagues genuinely care about your well-being, or do they see you as just another cog in the machine?
- Growth and Development Opportunities: Are you provided with opportunities to learn and grow professionally, or are you stuck in a professional rut?
- Feeling Heard and Valued: Are your opinions and ideas valued, respected, and taken into consideration?
- Sense of Purpose: Do you feel a strong connection to the mission and purpose of your organization, or has the spark fizzled out?
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Is your team supportive and collaborative, or is it more like a reality TV show?
- Positive Workplace Relationships: Do you have positive and meaningful relationships with your colleagues, or are you a lone wolf?
- Performance Feedback and Communication: Do you receive regular feedback on your performance and progress, or are you left wondering how you’re doing?
- Learning and Development Opportunities: Have you had opportunities to learn and grow over the past year, or has your professional development been put on the back burner? (My advice: if your current employer doesn’t provide you with professional development opportunities, this alone should be a disqualifier. Run for the hills!)
Fact vs. Feelings: A Reality Check
Before you make any rash decisions, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the complex interplay between facts and feelings in the workplace. It’s perfectly normal to experience a range of emotions at work, from frustration and disappointment to joy and fulfillment. Your feelings are valid, and they shouldn’t be dismissed or ignored.
However, it’s important to remember that our feelings can sometimes be influenced by factors beyond our control, such as stress, personal issues, or even just a bad day. Before you jump ship, take a step back and try to separate the facts from the feelings. Ask yourself:
- Are my negative feelings based on concrete evidence and patterns, or are they more situational and temporary?
- Have I tried to address my concerns with my supervisor or colleagues, or have I simply bottled them up?
- Are there any steps I can take to improve my current situation, such as seeking additional training, requesting a change in responsibilities, or having an open and honest conversation with my boss?
Reframing the Situation: A Fresh Perspective
Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective to transform a frustrating situation into a manageable one. Try reframing your challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of focusing on what’s lacking, focus on what you can contribute and how you can make a positive impact.
We often forget that we do have the power to shape your own experience at work. It’s important for each of us to take ownership of our roles, communicate needs clearly, and seek out opportunities for growth to create a more fulfilling and satisfying work environment.
When to Jump Ship: The Red Flags
If, after careful consideration and attempts to improve your situation, you still find yourself consistently answering the Gallup 12 questions negatively, it might be time to consider moving on. Persistent lack of clarity, support, recognition, growth opportunities, and a sense of belonging can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and ultimately, a decline in your well-being.
Leaving a nonprofit job doesn’t mean abandoning your passion for the cause. Sometimes, a change of environment can reignite that passion and lead to even greater impact in a new role or organization. And hey, no hard feelings. There is no need to vilify the organization or leaders on your way out – chalk it up to a misalignment of values and move on with your dignity in tact.
Conclusion: Empowering Nonprofit Professionals to Make Informed Choices
The Gallup 12 can be a valuable tool for nonprofit professionals to assess their current situation and make informed decisions about their careers. Individuals can empower themselves to seek out organizations that truly value their contributions and provide them with the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
And hey, YOU are a valuable asset to the nonprofit world. Your passion, dedication, and skills are essential to making a positive impact on the world. Choose wisely and prioritize your own well-being so that you can ensure that your contributions continue to serve the greater good in the most effective and fulfilling way possible.