Buy your own darn gift.

Recently, I explained to my team, that I experience a sort of emotional rollercoaster after an event or planning session. Initially, I’m excited, energized, and filled with hope about the future of the organization. Then, pretty quickly afterwards, I feel exactly the opposite. I feel disappointed, maybe a little angry, and kind of sad. …and then, things even out and I’m back to normal and ready to carry on with business as usual.

Where’s my card?

It isn’t just the adrenaline of a brainstorming meeting that brings on these feelings, I find it happens this time of year as well. From the staff team to volunteers and vendors, the holiday season is a lot of work for an executive director.

The team get gifts from the organization, and it is my job as the executive director to select a gift that is impactful. Board members also get holiday gifts. Again, it needs to be meaningful, but respectful of the budget.

Then there are all the vendors, especially the small independent contractors. Some receive a thoughtfully written holiday card, and others get a gift of appreciation. A lot of time goes into making sure there is the right balance between something that will convey how much we appreciate the work they do for our organization and not too much to appear wasteful of financial resources.

Trying to figure out all the special little touches to make everyone feel valued starts off fun as I choose the right way to say thanks or special little gifts. But as I hand over the last holiday card with a meaningful message, I feel drained, and honestly, a little angry. Where’s my card filled with appreciation.

It didn’t cross their minds.

Non-profit boards have a long history of forgetting to recognize their executive director during the holiday season. It isn’t that they are being overtly mean, they are simply so accustomed to the ED handling all these types of decisions that they forget it would be nice if they did something special.

Executive directors get staff gifts, too.

Rather than feel unrecognized by my board, I simply include myself in the holiday gifts to the staff team. After all, I AM part of that staff team. If my receiving a gift requires any type of board pre-approval, I make sure that request is included in my report to the board at the meeting prior to the holiday break. I get approval and then when I buy the staff gifts, I buy myself my own dang gift.

If other executive directors are anything like me, there is deep rooted desire to stretch a dollar. For me, in past years, that meant I bought practical gift cards for the grocery store or the gas station. [yeah, sigh, I know] I don’t do that any longer. Now, my gift [card] to myself is a true gift. I use it for a fun purchase, very much like what my staff team seems to be able to pursue without guilt. I don’t know why it’s so hard for us EDs to feel like we deserve a gift too.

Treat yourself right.

The holiday season is enough work for people in general, and non-profit executive directors don’t need any extra stress. There is no need to feel left out of the recognition the staff team receives.

So, go out and get yourself your own gift. Recognize your unique talents that make you the best darn ED your non-profit has ever had. Write your own card to yourself. Buy the gift.

Your turn.

Your turn. How are you recognized by your organization during the holidays? I want to know! Please use the form on the side of the page to let me know, ..or send me an email, ..or message me on socials.

-Christie

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Hi, I'm Christie. I help executive directors develop the systems and processes needed to run a non-profit.

I learned early in my career, there is no non-profit school. Browsing the internet for resources from big-city experts doesn’t provide practical solutions to balance the budget, write a work plan, or conduct an employee evaluation. Leadership development tips don’t really resonate when you are also taking out the recycling and cleaning the washroom.

I created ChristieSaas.com so non-profit leaders never need to wonder how to do the job – no matter how big or small that job is.

I have been the executive director of small-team, small-budget, non-profits for 20+ years. My experience isn’t theory. It is the real, operational, and practical solutions I use every day.

I love my work, and I want to help you love yours too.

© Christie Saas 2024 All Rights Reserved

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