Finding Steady Ground in Uncertain Times

4 ways for nonprofit professionals to reflect, connect, and navigate the path ahead

Budgets, staff capacity, donor behavior, community needs—lately it feels like everything is shifting at once. When the ground moves beneath your feet, how do you keep going? How do you continue to lead your team, advance your mission, and stay grounded in purpose?

The truth is, effective leadership during uncertainty doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means creating space for the right questions, and approaching them with curiosity, one of our core values at KHS Consulting. Curiosity keeps us open, helps us challenge assumptions, and uncovers possibilities we might otherwise miss. Whether you’re leading through a storm or exploring what’s next, here are four ways to move forward with clarity:

1: Find Your Footing in What’s Steady

A recent Harvard Business Review article notes that strong leaders resist the urge to rush into action when things feel unclear. Instead, they pause. They reflect. They listen to their teams, their communities, and themselves. They ask questions like:

• What really matters right now?

• What assumptions are we making, and are they still true?

• What do we need, realistically and emotionally, to move forward?

This kind of reflection isn’t passive: it’s powerful. It shifts us from reaction to intention. And often, it leads us back to what’s steady: your values, your strengths, and your impact.

When everything around you is changing, don’t lose sight of what’s already working. Ask yourself (or your team):

• Where have we created the most meaningful outcomes?

• What feedback reminds us that our work matters?

• What do we know we do well, even under pressure?

You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Let that be your foundation.

2: Put Progress Over Perfection

In uncertain times, it’s natural to desire clarity before taking a step. But often, clarity follows action, not the other way around. Rather than waiting for a perfect roadmap, ask yourself: What small, meaningful step can I take today? 

That step might be:

• Exploring a new partnership

• Reaching out to a peer for shared wisdom

• Adjusting a program to better reflect your current capacity

• Asking for support, mentorship, or simply rest

These small, intentional actions create momentum. They help you learn, adapt, and move forward, even if the full picture isn’t yet clear.

3: Build Through Connection

One of the most generous and strategic things you can do right now? Make a thoughtful introduction. A well-crafted introduction can open the door to support, ideas, collaboration, or clarity. Afterall, human connection is one of your most powerful tools.

Consider these questions when building connections:

• Prepare with Purpose: Who am I connecting, and what shared goal, value, or opportunity could bring them together? Is this the right time for this introduction?

• Make the Introduction Matter: How can I share the right amount of context to spark curiosity and interest? Is the tone clear and respectful? Then step back once the connection is made, but stay available if needed.

• Follow Up Thoughtfully: Did the connection click? How can I keep the connection going with a resource or next step? If not, reflect on the fit as every intro helps you get better at the next one.

A good introduction can do more than help someone else. It often returns as a gift of connection when you need it most.

4: Stay Open to a New Path

For some, this season isn’t just about weathering change—it’s about stepping into something new. That shift can feel daunting, but it’s also full of possibility. When you’re exploring a new path ahead, these practical tips offer a clear, supportive starting point:

• Clarify Your Why: What’s motivating your pivot? More balance? A new kind of impact? A different pace? Your reason is your anchor.

• Identify Your Skills: Are you a strategic thinker, strong communicator, relationship builder or program designer? These skills are in high demand in roles like fundraising, education and community outreach.

• Use Targeted Resources: Explore opportunities through trusted platforms:

  • Charitable Advisors

  • Association of Fundraising Professionals

  • National Association of Independent Schools

  • HigherEdJobs

  • Faith-based school networks

  • Remote job boards

• Tap Into Your Network: Ask Who can offer you meaningful introductions? What introductions can you offer to them? A warm referral often opens doors faster than a cold application.

• Know Your Worth: Research salary ranges through Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary Tools, and consider flexibility and benefits, not just base pay.

• Test the Waters: Short-term bootcamps, freelance gigs, or contract roles can help you build confidence and explore new terrain, often with low risk and high return.

If you’re leading through change, or standing at a crossroads, remember: uncertainty doesn’t mean you’re off course. It means you’re in motion.

Start with what you know. Take one step that matters. Ask a thoughtful question. Make a meaningful connection. Whether you’re navigating change or planning what’s next, you’re not alone—and you don’t need to have it all figured out to move forward.