Giving Compass' Take:

• In this Medium post, the authors (female leaders in the nonprofit space) discuss the challenges that many organizations face when a steadfast adherence to a mission comes at the price of damage to others.

• Examining power and privilege is always a good idea for any group. What can we do to make sure we are following through on goals, while creating an equitable and emotionally healthy atmosphere around us?

• Here's more on how to make your equity and diversity goals a reality.

It’s easy to pick holes in unethical businesses, but it’s hard to criticize organizations that aspire to create positive change. So what happens when organizations with an inspiring ethical vision are dysfunctional, or even toxic beneath the surface, where the mission becomes more important than taking care of the people working to make it happen?

To a point, all of us  —  the people running organizations, leading projects or getting initiatives off the ground  —  do this. We ignore and transfer some of the costs of our work. We’re low on resources, tired, and may not have a HR team or relevant legal or management experience. When we build organizations focused on outcomes and impact, it can be easy to leave internal values by the wayside. But work can only fulfill its ultimate long lasting goal if it is done in a healthy way, by healthy people.

Chances are, you’ve seen this behavior, heard it on the grapevine, or engaged in hushed conversations, but we rarely talk about it openly. The social good community protects its own. It makes sense in a sector where reputation is precious, where we are all constantly seeking funding and validation. But we need to start talking.

Read the full article on unethical business practices by Silvia Zuur at Medium.com.