Debunking 5 Myths about Nonprofit Strategy
February 29, 2024 | By David M. Wagner
After over 13 years of advising government clients, I wanted to understand how nonprofits think about strategy. So I started asking around.
The stories I heard shocked me. So much so that, for the first few years of Clear Mission Consulting, I tried to distance myself from strategy.
Now, I focus on sharing a “smarter” way to do strategic planning – not the box-checking, cookie-cutter approach that has left a bitter taste in the mouth of so many nonprofits.
But some myths about strategy persist. Here are five of the more common ones.
1. We Can’t Afford It
In the struggle between the mission’s needs today and contemplating the future, urgent priorities tend to win.
But if you’re putting off investing in strategy, consider:
Without a clear, long-term vision and plan, how will you know if you’re applying your resources to the right priorities today?
If you’re feeling too overwhelmed or stretched too thin to step back and think about the future, that may be a sign that it’s a good time to revisit how things are running today.
If money is an obstacle, your funders may want to help – to maximize the impact of their existing and planned investments.
2. It’s Just the Board’s Job
Board retreats have their place. And setting strategic direction is a big part of your board’s job.
But if you’re setting the direction for your organization in just a few days with maybe a dozen individuals, you’re likely losing the valuable insights of funders, staff, volunteers, partners, peers, and other sources of expertise. You’re also missing an opportunity to strengthen trust and alignment with those stakeholders.
3. Our Success Negates the Need
Is your nonprofit delivering on its promises, achieving desired mission outcomes, and enjoying a positive reputation?
Wonderful!
Do you know how you’ll sustain that successful growth for the next several years? What changes are likely to affect your constituents, your funding, or your operations in the future – and how do you plan to adapt?
Embracing strategy is a time-tested approach for navigating an ever-changing world.
4. Strategy is a Once Every 3 (or 5 or 10)-Years Thing
There’s great value in considering the big picture in a comprehensive process every few years. I facilitate periodic, major strategic plan updates all the time.
But the process carries more value than the results. The most successful nonprofits adapt their strategy to changing circumstances and new feedback about how well their plans are working. Being strategic is about making well-informed decisions – including deciding when to change course.
5. Strategy is a Waste of Time and Money
Ok, I’ll admit – it absolutely can be!
Strategies don’t belong on shelves. Too many end up gathering dust there. But if you resolve to make strategy matter with a smarter mix of vision, action planning, and people-centric leadership, your strategy can move the needle for your mission.
Which is my specialty. Ready to make strategy matter for your program or organization? Set a free consultation to get started.