First Day Empathy Tour

AKA: Welcome to the Weirdest First Day of School Ever

You know that feeling when you're the new kid at school? That mix of awkward hope and quiet terror?

Yeah. That’s Day One as an interim executive director.

You walk into the office (or more likely, log onto Zoom), and instantly you feel it: eyes on you. Everyone is trying to suss me out.

“What’s his deal?” “Is he here to fire people?” “How long is this guy sticking around?” “Do I need to update my résumé?”

There’s a stereotype about interim leaders — that we’re cold, robotic grim reapers sent in to slash budgets, kill off programs, and clear the decks for the next “real” ED.

Here’s the truth: we're the exact opposite.

I care deeply about the staff. I care about the board. I care about the community. I know organizations aren’t powered by spreadsheets and strategic plans. They’re powered by people. And those people — the ones still standing — have just been through the emotional equivalent of a nonprofit hurricane.

They’re tired. They’re confused. They’re still here. And they want to tell you their story — now.

My First Week Is an Empathy Tour 🗺️

No big speeches. No reorganizations. No grand plans. Just a chair, a notepad, and a simple introduction on an empathy tour:

“Hi, I’m the new guy. This feels like the first day at a new school, so thank you for your grace. I’m sorry you’ve been through this ordeal. I know it’s been a lot. I have no agenda for this meeting other than to hear your concerns and ideas. Don’t hold back — I’m here to help, but I can’t do it without you.”

Then I listen.

I break the staff into teams, departments, divisions — whatever makes sense — and just… listen. One-on-one meetings with key stakeholders come next. Some conversations are structured, most are not. Some are heavy, some are hopeful.

Almost all are raw and real.

And here’s the thing: something magical happens.

You can see it in their eyes — the moment they realize you’re not here to bulldoze everything. You’re here to understand.

It’s part therapy, part intel gathering. And all of it is essential.

By the end of the week, something shifts: 🤝 Trust begins to form. 📍 Direction starts to emerge. 🌱 And yes — hope creeps in.

Maybe the new guy isn’t here to destroy everything. Maybe… he can actually help us reach our full potential?

Advice for Other Leaders (Especially in Transition)

If you’re stepping into a leadership role — interim or permanent — let me offer this:

🧠 Listen before you act. This isn't a rescue mission. It's a relationship.

💬 Empathize. Deeply. People aren't just stakeholders — they're humans with emotional scar tissue.

📝 Show you've listened. Paraphrase. Ask clarifying questions. Reflect what you're hearing.

🧭 Let them set the agenda. Show up curious, not controlling.

📣 Summarize what you’ve heard. Do an all-staff recap or send a thoughtful email. Reflect themes. Thank people for showing up honestly.

🙏 Be humble. This isn’t about you. It’s about what we can build together.

✅ Follow up on a few quick wins. Even small things — fixing the broken coffee machine or approving a long-delayed purchase — show you're listening and acting.

Getting through Week One is no small feat. It’s not flashy. You won’t go viral. But it’s foundational.

Because when people feel seen, heard, and respected — they show up differently.

And that’s where the real turnaround begins.

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Follow, subscribe, and share with any new leaders trying to survive their own first week.

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