In this episode of the Nonprofit411 Podcast, Sarah Barton is joined by Rachel Platt, CEO of Platinum Consulting, to talk about creating strong, sustainable teams in the nonprofit sector. Rachel, with years of experience in human resources and organizational development, shares practical tips on investing in your people, even without a large budget.
1. Investing in People Without Breaking the Bank
Rachel emphasizes that investing in your team doesn’t always require a big budget. The key is taking the time to understand the unique needs of your employees, making sure they feel valued and supported. By tailoring your HR practices to meet individual needs, you can create a work environment where people thrive.
“You don’t have to have a ton of money to invest in your people. You just need to take the time and care to understand what they need.” — Rachel Platt
2. Communication is Key: The “Stop, Start, Continue” Exercise
A simple yet powerful exercise Rachel recommends for improving communication and team dynamics is the “Stop, Start, Continue” method. By regularly asking team members what they need to stop, start, and continue doing, you can foster a culture of feedback and continuous improvement.
3. Focusing on What’s Working
Rachel advises focusing on the positive—what’s working and what should continue. When people feel appreciated for what they’re doing well, it boosts morale and productivity. This mindset shift can help reduce burnout and encourage employees to keep performing at their best.
“What are the things I should stop doing? What are the things I should start doing? What are the things I should continue doing?” — Rachel Platt
4. Strategic HR Practices to Avoid Burnout
Nonprofits are especially vulnerable to burnout, but Rachel offers a simple solution: invest in creating HR practices that allow employees to align their work with their personal goals. Whether it’s offering flexibility, giving clear expectations, or providing feedback, these small changes can significantly improve team morale.
Final Thoughts
By taking a proactive approach to people strategy, nonprofits can avoid burnout, increase employee engagement, and drive long-term impact. Listening to your employees, investing in their growth, and creating a culture of appreciation are key to building a strong, successful organization.
“Everyone has some things that they do that are very valuable. We should recognize those things and continue to appreciate them.” — Rachel Platt
To hear more from Rachel Platt, listen to the full episode of the Nonprofit411 Podcast at https://www.nonprofit411.org/podcast and learn how to build a thriving nonprofit team today!