When the Stakes Are High: Centering People in Tough Nonprofit Leadership Moments with Melissa Kessler

In episode 131 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Melissa Kessler explore the intersection of communications and organization development, particularly in moments of crisis, transition and change. They talk about how internal communications can either reinforce or undermine values, strategy, and humanity within an organization.  how to navigate layoffs, restructuring, or organizational shifts with humanity why how we communicate is just as important as what we decide.    Episode highlights: 💬 “It’s a Communications Problem” – Or Is It? [00:09:27] – 🔁 Communications Is Change [00:12:29] –  💔 Communicating Layoffs with Humanity [00:14:30] –  🧠 Leaders Are Always Ahead of the Curve [00:18:24] –  🔄 Defining “Internal” vs. “External” in Complex Systems [00:19:32] –  🧩 Communication Is Not Strategy [00:20:57] –  💬 Who Gets Told What—And When [00:22:55] –  ⚠️ Managing With Compassion Through Uncertainty [00:24:54] –  👥 The Impact on Those Who Remain [00:30:15] – 🌅 Ending Well: The Missing Ritual [00:33:15] –  🪦 Organizational Death and Grief [00:35:55] –  🧘‍♀️ Leading in Chaos: Self-Care Is Strategic [00:42:15] –  📝 Your Crisis Plan Should Include Snacks [00:44:04] –    Guest Bio: Melissa George Kessler is a consultant and executive coach working in the areas of strategy and organization effectiveness through her independent practice, Organizations + Communications, and with partner firms. She began her career as a reporter and editor; later ran the communications shops for two agriculture associations; and has worked extensively in trade policy and education. Over a 20 year career, Melissa has done work with non-profit and private-sector partners throughout the urban and rural United States and in Asia, Africa and Latin America. She also has spoken at various OD conferences and is the author of a book chapter on communications and strategic change. Melissa splits her time between her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the national capital area. Important Links and Resources: Melissa Kessler Organizations + Communications LLC The Workplace Psychological Contract Is Broken. Here’s How to Fix It Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes   Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol’s newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn