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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin explore the key differences between being a boss versus being a leader and why leadership gaps are causing burnout and turnover in the nonprofit sector. They share insights into how nonprofit leaders can foster trust, create a supportive work environment, and empower their teams for long-term success. Whether you're managing staff for the first time or looking to refine your leadership approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Boss vs. Leader: What’s the difference? 
• The impact of poor leadership in nonprofits 
• The traits of an effective nonprofit leader 

Actionable tips: 

➜ Foster psychological safety: Encourage open communication and feedback within your team.
➜ Seek mentorship & coaching: Great leaders never stop learning—invest in executive coaching or peer mentorship.
➜ Lead by example: If you want a positive, motivated team, you must embody those traits first.
➜ Encourage smart risk-taking: Nonprofits often fear failure too much—innovation requires taking calculated risks.
➜ Hold leaders accountable: If an ED or manager is ineffective, address the leadership issue instead of blaming staff. 

Resources 

• Burnout Check Quiz 
• Building Psychological Safety Guide 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• Connect with Caitlin McBride 
• Further Together Website 

Subscribe and Review: 

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast for email updates here! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Support these conversations by donating here. 

Coming Next Week: 

P.S. Join us next week as Caitlin and I dive into the hiring challenges nonprofits are facing in 2025—and what you can do to find and keep the right talent! 

The Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) Family Reunion is back!  Register here to lock in your spot before they sell out. 

Support the show

• Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded!
• Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.