The Real Reason Your Organization Feels Stuck (and What to Do About It)

Most organizations will say with their whole chest, mind you—that organizational and leadership development isn’t a priority right now.

To which I say:“Oh? So just vibes and high turnover, then?”

I get it. Budgets are tight. Meetings are endless. You’ve got 37 tabs open (both in your browser and in your brain).But here’s the hard truth:

Neglecting your people strategy is one of the costliest mistakes you can make.

Did you know that every time someone walks out your doors, your organization loses anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000, depending on their role?

And if they’re in leadership?The numbers get real ugly. Six figures, easily.

But honestly… money isn’t even the biggest loss.

What about the soul of your organization?The trust? The morale?The vibe?! (Yes, the vibe matters.)

Now Here’s Where It Gets Spicy

This weekend, I was minding my business, doing a little light doomscrolling on Reddit (don’t judge me), when I stumbled upon a thread called:

“A Space for the Truly Disgruntled”

Tell me that doesn’t sound like a docuseries waiting to happen.

But it’s real. And it’s giving “HR Nightmare.”

Folks are naming names, dropping locations, and pulling no punches. One post literally read:

“In CT and ready to report your workplace? Do it here.”

And ohhh, they did.

There are over 100 organizations in Connecticut being publicly called out—right now—on the CTGrapevine website.

Former employees are going into chapter-and-verse, pass-the-popcorn levels of storytelling. We’re talking toxic cultures, gaslighting managers, retaliatory leadership, and PTO punishments.

And these aren’t vague complaints.These are receipts.

If I Can Find Them, So Can Everyone Else

If I could stumble across this casually on Reddit…You better believe potential employees, funders, and partners can too.

In fact, they’re probably looking before they apply. Before they donate. Before they return your call.

In today’s world, your reputation is searchable—and once the narrative is out there, you don’t control it.

So the real question is:

Do you want your organization’s story told by strangers online… or by you?

And listen—this isn’t just happening in Connecticut.

This is an every-state problem.

Don’t believe me?Go check your organization’s Glassdoor reviews.

Spoiler alert:What you think employees experience and what they’re actually saying when they leave?Might be two different realities.

And If You’re Not on There Yet…

That just means your former employees haven’t found the “submit” button… yet.

Silence doesn’t mean satisfaction.

It often means the storm is still brewing.

So now’s the time to get ahead of it—before your name starts trending for all the wrong reasons.

As someone who’s been a nonprofit Executive Director, let me tell you:I would not be sleeping peacefully if my org ended up on that list.

Because we all know:

• Optics matter

• Reputation matters

• What your employees say when they leave? That matters even more

Here’s a Loving Little Nudge (read: friendly shove):

When’s the last time you checked your reviews on CTGrapevine, Glassdoor, or anywhere ex-employees spill the tea?

Because they’re talking.And what they’re saying could be the difference between attracting top talent…Or scaring them off faster than free cake at a farewell party.

But Don’t Panic. You Don’t Have to Fix This Alone.

This is literally what I do.

I help organizations:

• Rebuild trust

• Strengthen leadership

• Create cultures where people stay, grow, and actually enjoy showing up to work

And no, you don’t need a million-dollar budget.Just a willingness to start.

Bonus: The Purple Elephant™ Seal of Accountability

When you partner with me, your organization receives:

The official Purple Elephant™ Seal of Accountability

A real plush Purple Elephant mascot

This isn’t just a cute desk buddy (though it is extremely photogenic).

It’s a symbol of:

• Bold leadership

• Honest culture work

• And an organization that doesn’t sweep problems under the rug

“We named our elephant. And we’re better for it.”

Place it in your conference room. Your lobby. The CEO’s desk.Let it start the conversation.

Plus… the Recognition You Deserve

You’ll also be featured on:

• The Purple Elephant Podcast (Spotify + iHeartRadio)

• A LinkedIn feature post highlighting your culture transformation

Because in a world where toxic workplaces go viral—being known for doing the work is rare, powerful, and reputation-elevating.

With clarity, compassion, and a sprinkle of sass,

Jenora Ledbetter

Your Friendly Organizational Fixer-Upper