Managing people is one of the most complex—and consequential—parts of nonprofit leadership. In mission-driven organizations, employee challenges are rarely about motivation or goodwill. More often, they grow out of unclear expectations, competing priorities, communication breakdowns, or issues that linger too long without being addressed.
This interactive workshop is designed for nonprofit leaders who want practical tools to navigate difficult employee situations with confidence and clarity. Rather than focusing on “fixing” people, the session centers on helping leaders identify root causes, address concerns earlier, and strengthen accountability in ways that preserve trust and relationships.
Participants will take part in guided reflection, table discussions, and real-world scenarios drawn from nonprofit settings. The session balances self-awareness with actionable leadership practices, equipping leaders with clear language and tools they can put to use right away.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
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Reframe “challenging employees” by identifying the systems, expectations, and leadership behaviors that contribute to ongoing issues
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Understand how psychological safety and generational dynamics shape behavior
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Increase self-awareness and recognize how it influences difficult conversations and team dynamics
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Diagnose sources of conflict using a clear, practical framework
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Apply effective coaching and feedback tools
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Strengthen accountability through intentional leadership behaviors
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Leave with concrete next steps, including personal Start / Stop / Continue commitments to apply immediately in their leadership role
As part of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, The Learning Center provides training and resources to help nonprofits serving Elkhart County grow their capacity and deepen their impact. This workshop builds on that commitment by offering practical tools and inclusive approaches to strategic planning.
Please limit participation to four people per nonprofit organization.
About our speaker
Kim Miller is a senior human resources and organizational leader with more than three decades of experience spanning for-profit financial organizations and nonprofit executive leadership. Her career includes senior market leadership roles with large, regulated financial institutions, as well as HR and organizational leadership in mission-driven nonprofits. This gives her a rare, balanced perspective on performance, accountability, culture, and people leadership.
Kim has led large, complex teams with full responsibility for financial performance, sales, service, compliance, and talent development. She later transitioned into nonprofit leadership, where she has built HR functions from the ground up, coached supervisors through performance and disciplinary conversations, strengthened organizational culture, and supported executive teams as they navigate growth and change.
Currently serving as Chief Human Resources Officer for a community foundation, Kim works closely with leaders to address challenging issues with clarity, consistency, and care. She is known for her practical, approachable style—translating leadership concepts into real-world tools leaders can actually use.
Outside of work, she is an avid golfer, cyclist, Peloton enthusiast, and proud new grandma, which are experiences that reinforce her belief that leadership happens in real life, not in theory.
