by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
Read part 1 of this series here. Read part 2 here. Read part 3 here. Read part 4 here.
When I embarked on my sabbatical from Tennessee Nonprofit Network, it wasn’t just a break from the daily grind; it was more like hitting the “pause” button on a whirlwind. After years of pouring my heart and soul into the organization, including nights and weekends…and even in my dreams, I was starting to feel like a hamster on a wheel – albeit a very passionate and well-intentioned hamster. I knew it was time to step back and recharge, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well.
I’d always been my own toughest critic, a trait that served me well in many ways but also had its downsides. My relentless drive for excellence had become a bit of a double-edged sword, fueling my passion but also contributing to a growing sense of burnout. I realized that my sabbatical was an opportunity to not only rest but also to re-evaluate my relationship with work and with myself. I have also realized I have been in burnout mode for far longer than I was aware.
It was time to confront my inner perfectionist, embrace the power of “doing nothing,” and rediscover the joy of simply being. I knew that this journey of self-discovery would not only benefit me personally but also make me a more effective and resilient leader in the long run.
The lessons I learned during this period of reflection were both profound and surprisingly simple. They underscored the importance of self-compassion, the power of rest, and the need to cultivate a culture of grace in the nonprofit sector. My sabbatical taught me that sustainable leadership requires more than just passion and dedication; it demands a deep understanding of oneself and a willingness to prioritize well-being.
The following reflections delve deeper into the key takeaways from my sabbatical, offering insights that resonate not just with my personal experience but with the challenges faced by countless nonprofit leaders navigating the complexities of their roles. By prioritizing self-compassion, embracing rest, and fostering a culture of grace, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling path for ourselves and those we serve.
1. The Tyranny of Perfectionism and the Power of Self-Forgiveness:
I’ve always held myself to incredibly high standards, a trait common among nonprofit leaders driven by a deep sense of purpose. However, my sabbatical highlighted the insidious nature of perfectionism. It had become a self-imposed burden, fueling burnout and hindering my ability to lead effectively. Studies show that perfectionism is linked to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. Embracing self-forgiveness was a transformative step, allowing me to acknowledge my humanness and cultivate a healthier relationship with myself.
2. Tuning Out the Noise and Finding Strength in the Arena:
Nonprofit leaders often face criticism and scrutiny from various quarters. During my sabbatical, I learned to filter out the unproductive noise and focus on the mission at hand. As Theodore Roosevelt aptly put it, “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…” This resonated deeply, reminding me that true leadership involves courage, resilience, and a willingness to face challenges head-on. Feedback is important, but nonprofit executives also get a lot of useless noise that is neither constructive nor informative. Discernment is the first step, filtering is the second.
3. Untangling Identity from Work: Reclaiming Personal Well-being:
It’s easy for nonprofit leaders to become consumed by their work, blurring the lines between personal and professional identity. Research indicates that this can lead to an unhealthy work-life balance and increased burnout rates. My sabbatical provided the space to disentangle my sense of self from my role as CEO, rediscovering parts of myself that had been neglected. This reconnection with my personal life was vital for restoring balance and perspective.
4. Embracing Rest: The Counterintuitive Path to Productivity:
The nonprofit world often glorifies busyness and productivity, but my sabbatical revealed the profound importance of rest. Studies have shown that rest is crucial for cognitive function, creativity, and overall well-being. Embracing downtime allowed me to recharge, gain fresh perspectives, and return to my work with renewed energy and focus.
5. Cultivating a Culture of Compassion and Grace:
The demanding nature of nonprofit work necessitates a culture of support and understanding. Research suggests that organizations that prioritize employee well-being experience higher levels of engagement, productivity, and retention. My sabbatical reinforced the importance of extending compassion and grace to ourselves and our colleagues, recognizing that we all have limitations and vulnerabilities. As my own worst critic, I have to give myself more grace. Lots more grace.
6. Sabbaticals: A Right, Not a Privilege:
My time away underscored the critical need for sabbaticals in the nonprofit sector. Research supports the notion that sabbaticals can enhance leadership effectiveness, reduce burnout, and foster innovation. These breaks should not be seen as a luxury but as an essential investment in the long-term health and sustainability of both individuals and organizations.
My sabbatical was a transformative experience, offering valuable insights into the complexities of nonprofit leadership. These lessons are not just for me; they are a call to action for the entire nonprofit sector to reimagine success, prioritize well-being, and cultivate a more resilient and compassionate approach to leadership.