May 08, 2025
Have you ever seen an association leader running on empty? You probably have and perhaps, at times, it’s been you. Passion and purpose drive association leadership, but when these are fueled by exhaustion and unrelenting demands, they can only carry you so far.
In the world of association management, the constant pressure to do more with less can leave executives, volunteers, and staff members feeling drained and overwhelmed. The question every association leader needs to ask: What’s the real cost of pushing through?
Spoiler alert: It’s not just burnout. It’s missed opportunities, waning enthusiasm, and valuable team members walking away from the mission they once loved.
The Wake-Up Call: Burnout Is Climbing and It’s Personal
In 2024, 51% of U.S. employees reported feeling burned out, a 15-point increase from the previous year, according to Grant Thornton. For association leaders, the primary culprits were mental and emotional stress (63%) and long hours (54%).
These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent the lived experiences of association executives, leaders, and volunteers who are juggling too much with too little support.
At Talley, we know that strong associations start with healthy, supported people, from the executive team to volunteers. Mental health isn’t a "nice to have"; it’s critical to how we help associations lead, grow, and thrive.
Here’s What That Looks Like in Action for Associations:
- Recharged Leadership for Better Decisions
When association leaders are overwhelmed, decision fatigue sets in. We provide executive support to ease that burden, allowing leaders to focus on strategy and long-term vision, not just day-to-day crises.
- Volunteer Engagement That Lasts
Volunteers power many associations, but they too are vulnerable to burnout. We help build clear roles, set realistic expectations, and create meaningful recognition programs. This ensures volunteers stay engaged and invested for the long haul, not just out of obligation.
- Teams That Collaborate with Less Stress
Healthy teams are key to association success. We prioritize open communication, trust-building, and fostering a psychologically safe environment so that everyone, from executives to volunteers, can work together more effectively.
- A Culture of Balance in Associations
Sustainable leadership goes beyond just managing time effectively. We help associations create cultures that value empathy, well-being, and flexibility. It’s not just good for morale; it boosts retention, performance, and helps associations fulfill their mission more effectively.
Putting These Ideas Into Practice at TalleyCon 2025
At TalleyCon earlier this year, we brought mental health and leadership together with sessions specifically tailored for association executives and leaders:
- Yin Yoga for Myofascial Release helped attendees ease physical tension, setting the tone for a balanced day of leadership training.
- Navigating Change provided actionable strategies for leading teams through organizational shifts, using emotional intelligence and frameworks like the Kotter change model.
- Resilience Activated focused on small, everyday actions to help build long-term resilience and avoid burnout.
These sessions were not just side events. They were core to how we approach leadership development in association management.
Final Thought: People Power the Mission
At the heart of every thriving association is a dedicated team of people—leaders, volunteers, and staff—who believe in the mission. Prioritizing their mental health isn’t just a trend; it’s a proven strategy to build more resilient, effective associations.
At Talley, we’re committed to helping association leaders and executives lead with empathy, strategy, and sustainability. Because when people are thriving, the mission of your association thrives too.