Make Time For Your Most Reliable Team Members

I rearranged my schedule yesterday to take my dog on his favorite walk through the woods for his 13th birthday.

For years I've joked that Pete is the most reliable member of Team LaFemina. He always meets or exceeds expectations. We can always count on his quiet love, steady presence, and enthusiastic tail. He doesn't complain, patiently monitors all the antics of our kids and their cousins, and takes himself outside when needed.

He is independent, happy, and such an easy team member to have around.

Since joining our team 11.5 years ago, he's had his role handled - and he communicates his needs via a gentle prod with his nose or soulful look when there's something we missed.

But I realized yesterday that I can't remember the last time I spent 2 hours with just him - seeing how he's doing, observing what he's interested in, considering where he still feels strong and where he's made some adaptations based on his current needs and strengths.

He wasn't going to tell me those things. Or jockey for my attention. Because that's not who he is.

And that means I wouldn't have learned any of those things if I hadn't scheduled that time with him.

If you're an executive or team leader - when was the last time you spent an uninterrupted hour (or more) with one of your most reliable team members?

I'm not talking about a deep dive on a priority project or a regular org-wide status meeting.

I'm talking about spending the time to understand how they are - and who they are - now.

One of the biggest strategic imperatives for nonprofits over the next 5-10 years will be staff retention.

Team members are leaving the nonprofit sector for good at an alarming rate - one higher than in other industries.

Your most reliable players aren't immune to that trend - and neither is your organization.

So as you're planning out your 2025, build in dedicated time to connect with your most reliable folks. Making sure they have what they need means your organization will continue to have what it needs to advance its mission, operate smoothly, and fundraise well.