Losing our leaders when we need them most
I just learned that two friends/colleagues have lost their jobs due to budget cuts and belt tightening at their respective nonprofit arts organizations. I am close to one of the orgs and I know how hard the loss will be on remaining staff. No surprise given the way our economy is shedding jobs, but painful to hear nonetheless.
Both jobs were leadership positions which have now been eliminated. While it is likely the positions will be reinstated if the budget woes subside (no guarantee they will), it brings up the question: how will these organizations cope with the loss of key players at a time when they are more important than ever?
I think we know how they will cope. Current staff (and perhaps a few Board members) will pick up the slack to the best of their abilities, people will work longer hours, produce status quo results under more stressful and challenging situations and likely experience burn-out earlier than normal. The question in relation to coping is not how, but how long it can last.
I suppose the question really is: how can these organizations SUCCEED when dealing with the loss of key players, especially in the face of unending budget cuts and a resurgence of the culture wars?
Tags: arts & culture, leadership