Mission-driven nonprofits have something profound to teach us about one of leadership’s most powerful levers: discretionary effort.
At a recent conference on the future of leadership development in New York City, I had the chance to join a unique experience. Alongside fellow corporate and consulting leaders, I participated in small group “field trips” to local mission-driven nonprofit organizations.
A Field Trip That Turned Into a Leadership Master Class
The idea was simple: We’d exchange our time and leadership advice for the chance to learn from these organizations up close. But what happened during our visit to City Harvest, a remarkable NYC-based food rescue operation, flipped the script. In the end, we were the ones learning. And the lessons were unforgettable.
The leaders at City Harvest demonstrated a powerful and elegant formula for creating deep commitment and discretionary effort:
Mission + Meaningful Work + Empowerment & Opportunity =
Engagement and Discretionary Effort.
Let’s break that down.
Mission
It’s no secret: When people truly believe in the work they’re doing, they feel more connected—and more committed—to their organization. This holds true not only in nonprofits, but in for-profit companies as well.
A compelling mission gives us a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves. It taps into our fundamental human need for purpose and impact. When we believe our work contributes to a greater good, we’re more likely to go above and beyond.
Research consistently shows that when employees feel deeply connected to their organization’s purpose, they're more likely to stay, take initiative, be productive, and build stronger relationships with customers. When people see their contribution as part of a broader mission, it unlocks a different level of engagement.
Meaningful Work
Although City Harvest is a nonprofit, it’s not a volunteer organization. The people we met—leaders and frontline workers alike—were earning a paycheck, just like any of us. The financial aspect of their work mattered, as it does in any job.
But what stood out most was the deep sense of purpose they found in their roles. Yes, they were glad to have steady employment, but they were especially grateful that their work held real meaning.
Every task they performed—whether moving food in the warehouse, coordinating delivery trucks, or loading and unloading supplies—was directly connected to feeding the poor, the homeless, and the hungry. The impact of their effort was visible, tangible, and deeply human. That clarity of purpose gave even the most routine tasks a powerful sense of significance.
Empowerment & Opportunity
At City Harvest, the pride employees took in their work was unmistakable. They eagerly shared stories of how they had improved processes, increased efficiency, or enhanced the performance of their part of the operation.
What stood out even more was how leaders celebrated the ideas that came directly from their frontline team—innovations sparked not by mandate, but by individual initiative. One story in particular stood out: a forklift driver who independently reorganized the warehouse layout, resulting in a meaningful boost in efficiency.
The message from leadership was clear: Give people not only accountability, but also the freedom and support to make improvements, and they will rise to the occasion. When individuals are empowered and given the opportunity to shape their work, the results benefit both the employee and the organization
Bringing It Home: Leadership Lessons from the Nonprofit World
So what can mission-driven nonprofits like City Harvest teach us—and how can we apply those lessons in our own roles as leaders?
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Anchor your team in mission. Help people see the purpose behind their work. When the mission feels real and relevant, the work gains meaning.
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Go beyond basic rewards. Recognize and compensate people fairly, but also give them the space and trust to make a difference. Empower them to improve how things are done—and then step back and let them lead.
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Create conditions for fulfillment. When people are inspired by purpose and supported with opportunity, they bring creativity, energy, and commitment to the table.
Everyone wants something to believe in. And even in resource-constrained environments, the right mix of mission, empowerment, and appreciation can unlock extraordinary discretionary effort.
That’s not just a recipe for nonprofit impact. It’s a powerful formula for real leadership.
