If the past few years have taught nonprofit leaders anything, it’s that crisis isn’t a question of if—it’s a matter of when. Whether it’s a funding shortfall, unexpected leadership changes, or global disruptions (hello, pandemic), challenges will come. And when they do, the way a leader responds can make all the difference.
I’ve worked with countless nonprofit leaders navigating tough situations, and I’ve seen firsthand which leadership styles help organizations not just survive a crisis but come out stronger on the other side. Let’s dive into the leadership approaches that truly thrive when things get unpredictable.
1. The Calm Captain: Leading With Stability
When everything feels like it’s on fire, the best leaders are the ones who don’t add fuel to the flames. The Calm Captain is the person who keeps their cool, reassures their team, and makes level-headed decisions even when the pressure is high.
This doesn’t mean ignoring emotions or pretending things are fine when they’re not—it’s about providing a steady presence that gives your team confidence. When uncertainty is swirling, people need a leader who exudes clarity, not chaos.
Thrives in crisis because: Teams look to leadership for cues on how to react. If the leader stays grounded, the team is more likely to stay focused and productive.
2. The Adaptable Strategist: Pivoting When Plans Fall Apart
Rigid leaders don’t do well in crisis situations. The ones who thrive are those who can adjust on the fly. The Adaptable Strategist knows that the original plan might not work anymore—and that’s okay. They pivot, adjust, and keep moving forward without getting stuck in “but this isn’t how we planned it.”
Nonprofits deal with shifting donor priorities, changes in community needs, and unexpected barriers all the time. The leaders who ask, “Okay, what’s the next best move?” instead of “Why is this happening to us?” are the ones who guide their teams through challenges effectively.
Thrives in crisis because: They embrace change instead of fighting it, making it easier for the entire organization to navigate new realities.
3. The Transparent Communicator: Leading With Honesty
Nothing makes a crisis worse than silence or mixed messages. The Transparent Communicator knows that their team, board, and donors deserve honest, clear updates—even if those updates aren’t all good news.
People respect leaders who tell it like it is. Whether it’s sharing financial challenges, program shifts, or organizational struggles, transparency builds trust. And trust is everything in a crisis.
Thrives in crisis because: Clear, honest communication reduces panic, aligns teams, and helps donors and stakeholders stay engaged rather than pulling away.
4. The Empathetic Leader: Prioritizing People Over Processes
Crises don’t just impact budgets and programs—they impact people. The Empathetic Leader understands that staff, volunteers, and community members are experiencing stress, fear, or frustration, and they lead with compassion.
This means checking in with the team, making space for emotions, and remembering that humans (not just numbers or strategies) drive nonprofits. A burnt-out, overwhelmed team won’t perform well. Leaders who prioritize mental health, morale, and overall well-being during a crisis create stronger, more loyal teams.
Thrives in crisis because: People will follow leaders who genuinely care about them, especially when times are tough.
5. The Action-Oriented Problem Solver: Getting Things Done
Sometimes, in a crisis, there’s no time for endless meetings and drawn-out discussions. The Action-Oriented Problem Solver knows when it’s time to do instead of deliberate. They assess the situation quickly, make decisions efficiently, and rally the team toward action.
Now, this doesn’t mean making rash, thoughtless choices—but it does mean avoiding analysis paralysis. When a crisis hits, someone has to make the call and move things forward. The best leaders are the ones who take in the information they have, trust their instincts, and act decisively.
Thrives in crisis because: They keep things moving and prevent organizations from stalling out when quick action is needed.
So, Which Leadership Style Works Best?
Honestly? The best crisis leaders pull from all of these styles. Some situations call for calm stability, while others require fast action. The key is knowing when to lean into each approach.
Most importantly, great leaders don’t go it alone. They surround themselves with strong teams, seek outside perspective when needed, and aren’t afraid to ask for help.
If you’re navigating a challenge right now (or just want to be better prepared for whatever’s ahead), I’d love to chat. Let’s talk about how you can lead with confidence—no matter what comes your way.
Kari Anderson, Principal
Incite Consulting
