Making Decisions for Today While Planning for Tomorrow
Funding issues
Staffing shortages
Pressure from competition
Digital transformations
Unknowns of COVID-19
Today’s nonprofit leaders are facing unprecedented challenges and are functioning in a highly unpredictable landscape. This presents the unique challenge of making the right decisions and plans for today knowing that once implemented, changes will need to be made to keep pace with the current disruptors. As a result, leaders are working tirelessly to find a balance between making timely present-day decisions while planning for long-term sustainability.
So how should the leaders of nonprofits approach decision making and implementation in this rapidly changing environment?
First, it’s important to remember that decision making is dynamic and should evolve as shifts and changes occur within the landscape or in response to implementation. When circumstances change or we do not achieve the results we hoped for, there is opportunity to gain insight and feedback and to then course correct.
The simple process of gathering feedback is one of the most effective ways to not only make decisions but to monitor the effects and progress of those decisions. Feedback can come from employees, customers, vendors, or any stakeholder with a connection to the intended results. Reaching out to those with knowledge and insight will provide different levels of perspective and help to mitigate potential risks involved.
When collecting feedback, our consultants recommend asking:
Are we progressing towards our intended results and desired outcomes?
What data is demonstrating our progress?
Are there any early indicators that would suggest a course correction or successful progress?
Secondly, leaders can gain a great deal of insight from others within their sector. Seeking out those that have implemented or are in the process of implementing a strategy you are considering, will help inform your decision making. Connecting with other experts within your field may yield information you can use to educate yourself and those around you regarding strategies you are considering and decisions you are making. Those that are going through or have been through the process offer important lessons on the ways in which they have needed to adjust their decision making and strategy implementation based on frequent and often unpredictable shifts.
Decision making in an uncertain and unstable environment can be stressful, but the alternative “wait and see” strategy will work in 2021. Build your plan and make the big decisions to remain a leader in your space.