Adrenaline

You might have noticed that the concept of fuel for human action (and other endeavors) is one of the themes of this blog. I come across various examples of how emotions, and its manifestation of adrenaline, are intertwined in the nonprofit industry as a driver, divider, but also as a developmental force. The crux is to harness emotions and use them wisely, and not unfettered, pumping into all and everyone in its wake.  

During my work with many nonprofits, I often see how adrenaline is fueling the forming and first few steps of a nonprofit adventure. High spirits, bold moves and extraordinary ideas are frequently part of the initial initiative. The force of adrenaline attracts others to join and act. Adrenaline also can manifest itself in generating funding, which propel those involved on a forward trajectory. 

After a while, inevitably the adrenaline fades and the creative ideas that ran high on feelings are not able to continue to spew as from a faucet. Instead, it becomes a dwindling trickle. At this or in subsequent stages, it becomes clear that the path, the dream, has not been grounded in reality. 

If the structures, holding up the veritable poles in the ground, have not been planted before this happens, there is a high risk the organization will stumble and eventually fade. Or, as happens in so many cases, continue on sheer will, resulting in emotional overload that will strip the organization of its inner strength; and implode. The toll on employees, board and funders are stretched and new people are brought in to shore up and recreate what once was. Old leaders might be discarded in favor of new trailblazers who maybe are able to distinguish what was once there, package it to the organization, and lead them to believe that this can be once more. 

It is not that simple. Like love, all endeavors have a curve of attraction, and assemble a multitude of different emotions and actions along the road. Neither are good or bad. They are just part of that evolution of creating something new. To be fueled by emotions is a good place to be if it’s partnered with equal measures of risk, teamwork as well as a degree of method and planning. Ultimately, the excitement of shaping a new entity is combined with safety and security, and the idea and work will take a steady route to progress, similarly exciting as this creates predictability and a platform for takeoff. 

Adrenaline is necessary as the lifeblood of many initiatives that sparkled and are now flying at a steady pace. But I dare to claim that those who are now seeing their idea come alive also had their anchor well fastened in the soil that nurtured them. 

This blog strives to create a space and to explore how to ground the philanthropic sector in emotional intelligence that will serve nonprofit work. In the end, emotions are intrinsic in this industry, and we would be better off to realize them and care for them than either embracing them too hard or dismissing them right out. 

Photo: Jakob Owens