Leading Through the Unknown

As nonprofit organizations continue to press forward, leaders must now operate with a significant level of uncertainty within their nonprofit sectors. The lack of predictability in the days, weeks, and months ahead can easily become overwhelming and leave leaders unable to make decisions and take action. As these organizations remain at a standstill, they can inadvertently position themselves to be left behind as others take advantage of the opportunity to transform and redefine themselves in the new reality. 

To increase the probability of sustainability and success, nonprofit leaders must take on the challenge of navigating through the unknown. This begins with acting intentionally and developing strategy to move the organization forward through the current environment. Below are three steps for advancing forward:

See the positives and negatives:

When leaders find themselves overly focused on the negative aspects of a situation, such as revenue uncertainty and regulatory changes, it can become too overwhelming and even paralytic. Taking a step back and finding the opportunity amongst the current nonprofit disruptors will break this pattern of indecision.

Connect with board members, peers, and staff and ask “How can we take advantage of this market?” and “Where are the opportunities?”. Seeking out different perspectives and ideas and taking advantage of opportunities will keep the organization moving forward toward the future.

Innovation and small steps:

Taking advantage of opportunities requires leaders take action. Whether it’s adopting a new nonprofit technology solution or innovating a new way of delivering service, the level of change and the risks that come with trying something new are sizable. 

To keep the process moving forward, leaders must work and support their teams in generating success along the way. Breaking large organization-wide initiatives into smaller more manageable parts will prevent teams from becoming overwhelmed, allow for “wins” along the way, and keep the momentum going leading to larger project success. 

Better together:

Leaders must remember they are not alone when navigating their sector or market, and oftentimes motivation and increased productivity can be found in nonprofit strategic partnerships with like-minded leaders. Strategic partnerships and affiliations can help organizations achieve stability during uncertain times. 

While the process of advancing through the unknown may include early failures, it is critical for nonprofit leaders to remain flexible and focus in order to course-correct and maintain momentum.

Productivity is a key factor in positive morale and pressing forward using lessons learned from what has worked and what hasn’t will help inform the phases of decision making that follow. 

Start to shape your future through intentional action.