Why Executive Directors of Nonprofits Should Meet with Their Team Weekly

Running a nonprofit is about more than just managing programs and raising funds—it’s about leading people. One of the most effective ways an Executive Director (ED) can strengthen their team, improve communication, and drive impact is by holding regular weekly meetings.

Many nonprofit leaders juggle donor relations, board meetings, and strategic planning, often feeling too stretched to prioritize team meetings. But making time for weekly check-ins can transform morale, boost clarity, align goals, and enhance productivity.

Why Weekly Meetings Matter

• Keeps Everyone Aligned
• Strengthens Team Morale & Connection
• Improves Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
• Enhances Transparency & Accountability
• Encourages a Culture of Feedback

Case Study: How SHrategy Helped a Nonprofit Increase Morale, Clarity, and Productivity

A nonprofit partner of SHrategy was struggling with team misalignment, unclear priorities, and declining morale. The Executive Director was constantly engaged in high-level fundraising and stakeholder management, leaving little time to check in with staff. Employees felt disconnected from leadership, lacked clarity on goals, and found it difficult to track progress on projects.

The SHrategy Approach: Implementing Weekly Team Meetings

• Reestablished Weekly Meetings: The SHrategy team recommended a structured 45-minute weekly meeting, ensuring that all employees, regardless of department, had a space to check in.
• Created a Clear Agenda: Each meeting followed a simple but effective framework: Wins & Highlights: Celebrating team and individual achievements to boost morale.
• Priorities for the Week: Aligning on top focus areas to ensure everyone was working toward the same goals.
• Challenges & Roadblocks: Identifying obstacles and finding collaborative solutions.
• Leadership Insights: The ED provided clarity on funding, strategic initiatives, and upcoming goals.
• Action Items & Next Steps: Ensuring accountability and tracking progress over time.
• Encouraged Two-Way Communication: Employees were given space to share concerns, ask questions, and propose improvements, making meetings more dynamic and engaging.

Results After Three Months

• Increased Morale: Employees felt more connected to leadership, leading to a 20% increase in engagement scores in internal surveys.
• Improved Clarity & Goal Alignment: Team members reported feeling 40% more confident in their priorities and how their work contributed to the nonprofit’s mission.
• Boosted Productivity: By addressing roadblocks in real-time, projects moved faster, reducing turnaround times by 30%.
• Better Collaboration & Problem-Solving: Employees from different departments worked together more efficiently, sharing resources and expertise more frequently.
• Stronger Leadership Presence: The ED gained better visibility into team challenges and successes, helping them make more informed leadership decisions.

How to Run an Effective Weekly Meeting

• Keep It Structured
• Encourage Open Participation
• Respect Everyone’s Time

Final Thoughts

A weekly check-in may seem like a small commitment, but for nonprofit teams, it can be transformational. When an Executive Director makes time to regularly meet with their team, it creates a culture of communication, trust, and alignment—all essential for driving impact.

Strong leadership starts with connection. A weekly meeting isn’t just about checking in—it’s about building a nonprofit where every team member feels valued, heard, and inspired to contribute to the mission.

?? Does your nonprofit hold weekly team meetings? What’s been your experience? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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