{"id":294232,"date":"2025-06-15T04:59:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-15T04:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/succession-planning-in-nonprofits-why-it-matters-now-more-than-ever\/"},"modified":"2025-06-15T04:59:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-15T04:59:18","slug":"succession-planning-in-nonprofits-why-it-matters-now-more-than-ever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232","title":{"rendered":"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<td valign=\"top\">\n<div id=\"781878830328294126-blog\" class=\"blog-body\" style=\"float: left;\">\n<div id=\"wsite-content\">\n<div id=\"blog-post-216221455901004216\" class=\"blog-post\">\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"blog-content\">\n<div id=\"229955266294624800\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-07k9vks1j17e {\n                text-align: center;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.5;;\n                font-size: 30px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-07k9vks1j17e i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-07k9vks1j17e.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-07k9vks1j17e.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-07k9vks1j17e {\n                    text-align: center;\n                    font-size: 30px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-07k9vks1j17e {\n                    text-align: center;\n                    font-size: 30px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"wsite-image wsite-image-border-none \" style=\"padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center\"> <a> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kathyarcher.com\/uploads\/5\/9\/9\/8\/5998742\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg\" alt=\"Picture\" style=\"width:auto;max-width:100%\"\/> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"638666701643452041\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-dlrmd727lcg {\n                text-align: left;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.5;;\n                font-size: 25px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-dlrmd727lcg i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-dlrmd727lcg.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-dlrmd727lcg.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-dlrmd727lcg {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-dlrmd727lcg {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\">That question came from a nonprofit leader I coached last year. She wasn&#8217;t planning to leave tomorrow. But she was thinking about the future, and the uncertainty around it was weighing on her.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ve heard this thought more and more over the last few years in my coaching conversations. I&#8217;ve noticed that many leaders are afraid to speak about it in their organization. And that fear of speaking about it is causing challenges in organizations.<\/p>\n<p>We need to talk about<span> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold)\"><strong>succession planning<\/strong>,<\/span><span> <\/span>not as a formal HR process or a massive document but as<span style=\"font-weight:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold)\"><span> <\/span><strong>a necessary leadership conversation<\/strong><\/span>. A conversation that builds hope creates sustainability and helps our sector thrive.<\/p>\n<p>In a<span> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/charityvillage.com\/charityvillage-connects-succession-crisis-is-the-nonprofit-sector-ready\/\" target=\"_blank\">recent episode of CharityVillage Connects,<\/a><span> <\/span>I had the opportunity to speak with<span> <\/span>Mary Barroll<span> <\/span>from<span> <\/span>CharityVillage<span> <\/span>about the very real succession crisis facing nonprofit organizations.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;m grateful for the conversation because we need to have conversations more often and more openly.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s some of what Mary and I discussed and a bit more to help you, whether you&#8217;re the current leader thinking of stepping away or someone wondering what the future holds for your organization.<br \/>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"481980621639014211\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-4pk85ilxzoo {\n                text-align: left;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.5;;\n                font-size: 25px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-4pk85ilxzoo i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-4pk85ilxzoo.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-4pk85ilxzoo.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-4pk85ilxzoo {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-4pk85ilxzoo {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\">Too often, no one knows what comes next.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">\n<li><strong><span style=\"font-weight:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold)\">Boards<\/span><span> <\/span><\/strong>aren&#8217;t initiating the conversation.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"font-weight:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold)\">Leaders<\/span><span> <\/span><\/strong>feel unsure of how to bring it up.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"font-weight:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold)\">Staff<\/span><span> <\/span><\/strong>are left in the dark.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The result? A lack of true leadership on the team and in the organization, lost momentum, and<span> <\/span><strong><span style=\"font-weight:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold)\">talented individuals walked away from roles they might have otherwise stepped into if the path had been clearer and they had felt supported to grow and step into the role.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Succession planning isn&#8217;t just about choosing a replacement.<span> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold)\"><strong>It&#8217;s about growing the next leader,<\/strong><\/span><span> <\/span>helping them build their confidence and capacity. At the same time building confidence in that upcoming leader across the organization. Without it, we risk confusion, instability, and a big mess when something initiates the leader moving on.<span> <\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">\n<li><strong><span style=\"font-weight:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold)\">Avoidance from the boar<\/span>d<\/strong> \u2013 Many boards don&#8217;t want to &#8220;poke the bear,&#8221; especially if the current leader is also the founder. They aren&#8217;t sure they can legally ask those questions. Or they wonder if it will give the wrong message to the leader that they aren&#8217;t wanted anymore.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold)\"><strong>Survival mode culture<\/strong><span> <\/span><\/span>\u2013 When we&#8217;re all trying to keep up with reporting deadlines, funder demands, and program pressures, planning for something five years down the road feels impossible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And yet, that&#8217;s exactly why we need to start now.<\/div>\n<div id=\"669620742945903890\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-3jxykwhclr8 {\n                text-align: left;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.4;;\n                font-size: 25px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-3jxykwhclr8 i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-3jxykwhclr8.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-3jxykwhclr8.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-3jxykwhclr8 {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.4;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-3jxykwhclr8 {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.4;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\"><span>Here&#8217;s something we don&#8217;t talk about enough<\/span><span>, either<\/span><span>:\u00a0<\/span><strong>Leadership looks very uninviting<\/strong><span>\u00a0The way leadership looks from the outside, leaders scrambling to keep up, sitting on the edge of burnout, powerless to make changes, is deterring the next generation from stepping up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Many emerging leaders look at their Executive Directors and see burnout, endless meetings, emotional labour, and a to-do list that never ends. And think, I don&#8217;t want that life.<br \/>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"934675995610969287\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-2qf7yws9kr {\n                text-align: left;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.5;;\n                font-size: 25px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-2qf7yws9kr i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-2qf7yws9kr.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-2qf7yws9kr.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-2qf7yws9kr {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-2qf7yws9kr {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\"><span>But leadership can and should look different. It can be about inspiring others, developing people, and leading with integrity. It can include boundaries, collaboration, and, yes, even joy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>If we want to attract and retain future leaders,<\/span><strong><span>\u00a0we need to start modelling leadership <\/span><span>in a<\/span><span> healthier<\/span><span>, more sustainable way<\/span><span>.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsite-youtube\" style=\"margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px;\">\n<div class=\"wsite-youtube-wrapper wsite-youtube-size-auto wsite-youtube-align-center\">\n<p>  <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nonprofit Succession Planning\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WYJyFOYcdx4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"685782485882063802\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-6wh0np1f6hs {\n                text-align: left;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.5;;\n                font-size: 25px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-6wh0np1f6hs i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-6wh0np1f6hs.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-6wh0np1f6hs.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-6wh0np1f6hs {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-6wh0np1f6hs {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\">\u200b<span>Another major gap? We&#8217;re not developing the right skills.<\/span><br \/><span>When someone <\/span><span>is promoted<\/span><span> from the front line into a leadership role, <\/span><span>they&#8217;re often handed<\/span><span> policies, reporting forms, and a few HR documents\u2014and expected to figure the rest out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>But technical tasks are only part of the job.<\/span><br \/><span>What new leaders <\/span><span>really<\/span><span> need to learn are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span>How to\u00a0<\/span><strong>motivate<\/strong><span>\u00a0and inspire others<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>How to\u00a0<\/span><strong>manage your emotions<\/strong><span>\u00a0(and your team&#8217;s)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>How to\u00a0<\/span><strong>build hope\u00a0<\/strong><span>during change and uncertainty<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>How to\u00a0<\/span><strong>have tough conversations<\/strong><span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><strong>deal with prickly personalities<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><span>How do you\u00a0<\/span><strong>set boundaries\u00a0<\/strong><span>when you are a people pleaser, perfectionist, or performer so you don&#8217;t burn out?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>We call them &#8220;soft skills,&#8221; but they&#8217;re foundational to effective leadership<\/strong><span>. And in most nonprofits, they&#8217;re rarely taught.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>That lack of preparation leaves new leaders overwhelmed and uncertain, <\/span><span>and it reinforces<\/span><span> the cycle of burnout and leadership avoidance.<br \/>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"126146882396498471\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-9iqk5lnhhup {\n                text-align: left;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.5;;\n                font-size: 25px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-9iqk5lnhhup i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-9iqk5lnhhup.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-9iqk5lnhhup.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-9iqk5lnhhup {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-9iqk5lnhhup {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\"><span>You&#8217;re not alone. Talking about potentially leaving can feel risky, especially if you love your organization and <\/span><span>your<\/span><span> team. But keeping everything a big secret doesn&#8217;t help. <\/span><span>In fact,<\/span><span> it can make things messier than they need to be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Start small.<\/strong><span>\u00a0You don&#8217;t need a specific date. You can begin by saying, &#8220;I&#8217;ve been thinking about the long-term sustainability of this organization.&#8221; That opens the door to deeper conversations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Begin<\/strong><span>\u00a0identifying people with leadership potential even if they&#8217;re not ready <\/span><span>yet<\/span><span>. Invite them to shadow you, <\/span><span>take the lead on<\/span><span> projects, or join strategic conversations. Share the human side of leadership with them. Talk about your values and how you reflect and make decisions. It&#8217;s the why behind why we do our work, not just the calendar full of meetings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>And be honest about what&#8217;s hard.<\/strong><span>\u00a0But also share what&#8217;s meaningful. When we talk about leadership as a calling, not just a job, we reframe it as something to grow into. Not something to avoid.<br \/>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"817702831958515482\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-ikjolhdy2xs {\n                text-align: left;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.5;;\n                font-size: 25px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-ikjolhdy2xs i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-ikjolhdy2xs.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-ikjolhdy2xs.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-ikjolhdy2xs {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-ikjolhdy2xs {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\"><span>Maybe you&#8217;re<\/span><span> a team member getting that vibe that says you think your leader is considering leaving.<\/span><span> Or you&#8217;re a board member who&#8217;s <\/span><span>not sure<\/span><span> how to initiate what you are sure will be\u00a0<\/span><strong>an awkward conversation.<\/strong><span>\u00a0Regardless of which side you land on,\u00a0<\/span><strong>the first step is curiosity.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>With a bit of courage,<\/span><span> you can start a respectful conversation about their plans.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"color:rgb(14, 16, 26)\">\n<li><span>&#8220;<\/span><em><span>How are you feeling about the future of your role?&#8221;<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span>&#8220;What kind of support would help us plan for long-term success?&#8221;<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>You don&#8217;t need to demand a retirement date<\/strong><span>. But you can open a conversation about what <\/span><span>they<\/span><span> are considering for themselves and how <\/span><span>they<\/span><span> see things for future employees and the team.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>If you have leadership potential or a desire to be in leadership,\u00a0<\/span><strong>don&#8217;t wait for someone to suggest that you consider leadership.<\/strong><span>\u00a0Begin your <\/span><span>own<\/span><span> growth journey.\u00a0 Read, reflect, take online courses, join communities, and find mentors.<br \/>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"452613021979969448\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-6yvg4le8oak {\n                text-align: left;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.5;;\n                font-size: 25px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-6yvg4le8oak i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-6yvg4le8oak.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-6yvg4le8oak.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-6yvg4le8oak {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-6yvg4le8oak {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\"><span>Sometimes, we hear the words succession plan and visualize a big binder with explicit plans. It can be way more practical than that.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Here are some suggestions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"color:rgb(14, 16, 26)\">\n<li><strong>Make your 1:1s count\u00a0<\/strong><span>\u2013\u00a0Don&#8217;t just talk about program tasks. Ask, &#8220;What <\/span><span>skills, both<\/span><span> practical or soft skills, do you want to develop this year?&#8221; or &#8220;Where do you think you have the most opportunity to grow this year?&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Encourage mentorship<\/strong><span>\u00a0\u2013 Be clear that you aren&#8217;t the only one from whom they can learn leadership. <\/span><span>Encourage<\/span><span> them to look around for <\/span><span>other people<\/span><span> to learn leadership from and be open to connecting them to others.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Start a book club\u00a0<\/strong><span>\u2013 Choose a leadership book and meet weekly to discuss it. (Character Driven Leadership for Women would work great for this!) <\/span><span>This<\/span><span> allows you to <\/span><span>both<\/span><span> learn and be open to discussing your leadership journeys.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Promote emotional intelligence<\/strong><span>\u00a0\u2013 Talk about composure, reflection, and mindset <\/span><span>just<\/span><span> as much as strategy and deadlines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>When development becomes part of your culture, succession planning stops being a looming project. It becomes the natural result of how you work together.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"500606100973815260\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t#element-596b4e51-1f16-42d2-ba06-dde4a1749296 .callout-box-wrapper {\n  padding: 20px 0px;\n  word-wrap: break-word;\n}\n#element-596b4e51-1f16-42d2-ba06-dde4a1749296 .callout-box--standard {\n  border: 1px solid #E0E0E0;\n  background: #FAFAFA;\n  padding: 20px 20px;\n}\n#element-596b4e51-1f16-42d2-ba06-dde4a1749296 .callout-box--material {\n  border: 1px solid #E0E0E0;\n  background: #FAFAFA;\n  padding: 20px 20px;\n  box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n#element-596b4e51-1f16-42d2-ba06-dde4a1749296 .callout-base {\n  border: 1px solid #E0E0E0;\n  background: #FAFAFA;\n  padding: 20px 20px;\n}\n#element-596b4e51-1f16-42d2-ba06-dde4a1749296 .material {\n  box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n\n]]><\/style>\n<div id=\"element-596b4e51-1f16-42d2-ba06-dde4a1749296\" data-platform-element-id=\"694046499467037623-1.2.6\" class=\"platform-element-contents\">\n<div class=\"callout-box-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"callout-box--material\">\n<div class=\"element-content\">\n<div style=\"width: auto\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"wsite-image wsite-image-border-hairline \" style=\"padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center\">\n<a>&#13;<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kathyarcher.com\/uploads\/5\/9\/9\/8\/5998742\/published\/the-best-nonprofit-leadership-book-for-women-leaders.png?1743055222\" alt=\"The best nonprofit leadership book for women leaders\" style=\"width:192;max-width:100%\"\/>&#13;<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"116712137929452508\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t\n]]><\/style>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link {\n                position: relative;\n            }\n\n            .bundle-seo-title-link a {\n                position: absolute;\n                left: 0;\n                top: 0;\n                width: 100%;\n                height: 100%;\n            }\n\n            #seo-title-pf0zh6g2zy {\n                text-align: left;\n                margin: 10px auto 10px;;\n                background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0);;\n                padding: 10px 0px;;\n                color: #333;;\n                text-decoration: none;\n                line-height: 1.5;;\n                font-size: 25px;;\n                -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;\n                box-sizing: border-box;\n                font-family: Roboto;;\n                font-style: normal;\n                font-weight: 400;;\n                letter-spacing: 0px;;\n                \n                \n\n                \n\n\n\n                border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n                overflow: hidden;\n            }\n            #seo-title-pf0zh6g2zy i {\n                font-size: inherit;\n            }\n            #seo-title-pf0zh6g2zy.bundle-seo-title-link:hover{\n                background-color:  rgba(0,0,0,0);\n                color: #333;\n                border-color: #333;\n            }\n            #seo-title-pf0zh6g2zy.button-shadow-normal {\n                -webkit-box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n                box-shadow: 2px 7px 12px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.2);\n            }\n           \n            @media(max-width: 768px) {\n                \n                #seo-title-pf0zh6g2zy {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n            @media(max-width: 576px) {\n              \n                #seo-title-pf0zh6g2zy {\n                    text-align: left;\n                    font-size: 25px;\n                    letter-spacing: 0;\n                    line-height: 1.5;\n                    padding: 10px 0px;\n                }\n            }\n        ]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\"><span>Boards play a key role in succession planning, but many avoid it, especially if the Executive Director has been there forever or is the founder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>However, from a governance perspective,\u00a0<\/span><strong><span>succession planning is<\/span><span>, in part,<\/span><span> the board&#8217;s responsibility.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>Start with simple questions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"color:rgb(14, 16, 26)\">\n<li><span>&#8220;What&#8217;s<\/span><em><span> your vision for the next 3\u20135 years?&#8221;<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><span>&#8220;Who&#8217;s on your radar in terms of leadership potential?&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>&#8220;How can we support you in preparing for the future?&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>If you&#8217;re unsure how to help,<\/span><strong>\u00a0get training on succession planning.<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span><span>There are <\/span><span>tons of resources for boards better to<\/span><span> understand governance, transition planning, and leadership support.<\/span><span> It&#8217;s okay not to know.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Whether you&#8217;re <\/span><span>the one<\/span><span> considering your exit or <\/span><span>the one<\/span><span> wondering who&#8217;s next,\u00a0<\/span><strong>succession planning\u00a0starts with inner work.<\/strong><br \/><span>It starts with self-reflection:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"color:rgb(14, 16, 26)\">\n<li><em><span>What are your values?<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span>What kind of leader do you want to be (or support)?<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span>How can you show up with courage and compassion, even when the conversation is <\/span><span>hard<\/span><span>?<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>No matter where you sit in your organization, you <\/span><span>have the power to<\/span><span> spark these conversations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>You don&#8217;t need a perfect plan today. But you do need to begin.\u00a0<\/span><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/WYJyFOYcdx4\"><span style=\"color:#4a6ee0\">Listen to my full interview with Mary Barroll here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span>And if you&#8217;re looking for support as you navigate this journey,\u00a0<\/span><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kathyarcher.com\/library.html\"><span style=\"color:#4a6ee0\">The Training Library\u00a0<\/span><\/a><span>is here for you. It&#8217;s where nonprofit leaders come to build confidence, gain clarity, and grow into the leaders their organizations need, now and in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>~ Kathy<\/span><br \/><strong>Do the inner work. It&#8217;s worth it!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>P.S. Head in the sand isn&#8217;t leadership! Leading the V formation is!<\/span><br \/><span>Spring is here! I hear the geese flying overhead!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"631448182128967719\">\n<div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\t#element-b1b5c7b4-5af2-48bb-96ac-6d27ecdbde61 .callout-box-wrapper {\n  padding: 20px 0px;\n  word-wrap: break-word;\n}\n#element-b1b5c7b4-5af2-48bb-96ac-6d27ecdbde61 .callout-box--standard {\n  border: 1px solid #E0E0E0;\n  background: #FAFAFA;\n  padding: 20px 20px;\n}\n#element-b1b5c7b4-5af2-48bb-96ac-6d27ecdbde61 .callout-box--material {\n  border: 1px solid #E0E0E0;\n  background: #FAFAFA;\n  padding: 20px 20px;\n  box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n#element-b1b5c7b4-5af2-48bb-96ac-6d27ecdbde61 .callout-base {\n  border: 1px solid #E0E0E0;\n  background: #FAFAFA;\n  padding: 20px 20px;\n}\n#element-b1b5c7b4-5af2-48bb-96ac-6d27ecdbde61 .material {\n  box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n\n]]><\/style>\n<div id=\"element-b1b5c7b4-5af2-48bb-96ac-6d27ecdbde61\" data-platform-element-id=\"694046499467037623-1.2.6\" class=\"platform-element-contents\">\n<div class=\"callout-box-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"callout-box--material\">\n<div class=\"element-content\">\n<div style=\"width: auto\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"wsite-image wsite-image-border-none \" style=\"padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center\">\n<a>&#13;<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kathyarcher.com\/uploads\/5\/9\/9\/8\/5998742\/the-training-library_orig.gif\" alt=\"Picture\" style=\"width:auto;max-width:100%\"\/>&#13;<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"paragraph\"><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">The nonprofit sector doesn&#8217;t always give women leaders the support and training they deserve\u2014but that&#8217;s not your fault.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">I&#8217;ve been where you are, juggling leadership demands while trying to find balance and confidence. I created\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kathyarcher.com\/library.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Training Library<\/a><\/span><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">\u00a0to provide nonprofit leaders like you with practical, on-demand courses and personalized coaching, all within reach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">It&#8217;s like having a trusted mentor in your corner, guiding you through every challenge.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">No more second-guessing. No more struggling alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">Inside\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kathyarcher.com\/library.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Training Library<\/a><\/span><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">, you&#8217;ll gain the skills and confidence to lead with ease, balance, and impact\u2014so you can thrive at work and in life.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color:rgb(42, 42, 42)\">\u200b<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">Master Nonprofit Leadership\u2014With Training, You Can Trust.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">Join\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kathyarcher.com\/library.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Training Library<\/a><\/span><span style=\"color:var(--color-text)\">\u00a0today and take the first step toward confident leadership.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <a name=\"comments\" id=\"comments\"\/><\/p>\n<p><!-- bid: $blog_id --><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"blog-sidebar\" valign=\"top\">\n<\/td><\/div>\n<p><script>\n!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\nn.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;\nn.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\nt.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,\ndocument,'script','https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\nfbq('init', '460990100720086'); \/\/ Insert your pixel ID here.\nfbq('track', 'PageView');\n<\/script><script>\n\twindow.fbAsyncInit = function() {\n\t\tFB.init({\n\t\t\tappId : '190291501407',\n\t\t\txfbml : true,\n\t\t\tversion : 'v2.6'\n\t\t});\n        \/\/ Set Facebook comment plugin's colorscheme based off of theme\n\t\tvar comments = document.getElementsByClassName('facebook-comment-widget'),\n\t\t\tscheme = document.body.className.match('wsite-theme-light');\n\t\tfor (var i = 0; i < comments.length; i++) {\n\t\t\tcomments[i].setAttribute('colorscheme', scheme ? 'light' : 'dark');\n\t\t}\n\n\t\tvar fbCommentCounts;\n\n\t\tFB.Event.subscribe('xfbml.render', function(){\n\t\t\tfbCommentCounts = jQuery('.fb_comments_count');\n\t\t\tfor (var i = 0; i < fbCommentCounts.length; i++) {\n\t\t\t\tvar commentText = (jQuery(fbCommentCounts[i]).text() == '1' ? \"Comment\" : \"Comments\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(fbCommentCounts[i]).parent().siblings('.fb_comment_count_label').text(commentText);\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t});\n\n\t\tvar comment_callback = function(res) {\n\t\t\tFB.XFBML.parse(); \/\/ Refresh comment counters on page\n\t\t}\n\n\t\tFB.Event.subscribe('comment.create', comment_callback);\n\t\tFB.Event.subscribe('comment.remove', comment_callback);\n\n\t};\n\n\t(function(d, s, id){\n\t\tvar js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];\n\t\tif (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}\n\t\tjs = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;\n\t\tjs.src = \"https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/\"+_W.facebookLocale+\"\/sdk.js\";\n\t\tfjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);\n\t}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0 That question came from a nonprofit leader I coached last year. She wasn&#8217;t planning to leave tomorrow. But she was thinking about the future, and the uncertainty around it was weighing on her. I&#8217;ve heard this thought more and more over the last few years in my coaching conversations. I&#8217;ve noticed that many leaders [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":294233,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[125621,11655,4410,7633,125618,23598,10922,52645,125620,125619,20652],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-294232","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-female-leaders","tag-leadership","tag-managing","tag-matters","tag-nonprofit-leadership-training","tag-nonprofits","tag-planning","tag-succession","tag-women-in-leadership","tag-women-leaders","tag-work-life-balance"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u00a0 That question came from a nonprofit leader I coached last year. She wasn&#8217;t planning to leave tomorrow. But she was thinking about the future, and the uncertainty around it was weighing on her. I&#8217;ve heard this thought more and more over the last few years in my coaching conversations. I&#8217;ve noticed that many leaders [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-06-15T04:59:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1100\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"619\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371\"},\"headline\":\"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-15T04:59:18+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232\"},\"wordCount\":1624,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"female leaders\",\"Leadership\",\"Managing\",\"Matters\",\"nonprofit leadership training\",\"Nonprofits\",\"Planning\",\"Succession\",\"women in leadership\",\"women leaders\",\"work life balance\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232\",\"name\":\"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever - Som2ny Network\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-15T04:59:18+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg\",\"width\":1100,\"height\":619},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?bp_activities=1\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/\",\"name\":\"Som2ny Network\",\"description\":\"Daily Deals\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Som2ny Network\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png\",\"width\":300,\"height\":86,\"caption\":\"Som2ny Network\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371\",\"name\":\"admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png\",\"caption\":\"admin\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?author=1\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever - Som2ny Network","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever - Som2ny Network","og_description":"\u00a0 That question came from a nonprofit leader I coached last year. She wasn&#8217;t planning to leave tomorrow. But she was thinking about the future, and the uncertainty around it was weighing on her. I&#8217;ve heard this thought more and more over the last few years in my coaching conversations. I&#8217;ve noticed that many leaders [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232","og_site_name":"Som2ny Network","article_published_time":"2025-06-15T04:59:18+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1100,"height":619,"url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"admin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232"},"author":{"name":"admin","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371"},"headline":"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever","datePublished":"2025-06-15T04:59:18+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232"},"wordCount":1624,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg","keywords":["female leaders","Leadership","Managing","Matters","nonprofit leadership training","Nonprofits","Planning","Succession","women in leadership","women leaders","work life balance"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232","name":"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever - Som2ny Network","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg","datePublished":"2025-06-15T04:59:18+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/how-to-plan-for-the-future-even-when-you-re-in-survival-mode-kathy-archer_orig.jpg","width":1100,"height":619},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=294232#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?bp_activities=1"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/","name":"Som2ny Network","description":"Daily Deals","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization","name":"Som2ny Network","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png","width":300,"height":86,"caption":"Som2ny Network"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371","name":"admin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png","caption":"admin"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/fivemor.com"],"url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?author=1"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/294232","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=294232"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/294232\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/294233"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=294232"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=294232"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=294232"},{"taxonomy":"dealstore","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fdealstore&post=294232"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fofferexpiration&post=294232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}