Strategies for leading in our ever-changing world.
This is the challenge I hear most frequently:
Will our organization be able to adjust successfully in both programming and funding in this post-COVID environment?
We all know the old saying, “hope is not a strategy.” A complete evaluation of your operations will tell you for sure how prepared your organization is to face 2024. Even though it can be intimidating, organizations that will thrive in the coming months and years will turn hope into a solid action plan. As COVID funds on federal, state, and local levels are depleted, many leaders regret not taking the time to develop a post-COVID transition plan for both staffing and funding. If you are leading an organization and haven’t had the time to create a transition plan or even know where to start, here are the top three things you should do now in preparation for 2024.
- Look for Mission Creep. Evaluate what you have been doing over the past three years and look for initiatives you’ve taken on as a direct result of the pandemic. Many organizations received COVID funds and took on challenges that may have been outside the scope of their mission for two reasons: the funds were available, and the need was great. Now is the time to take a realistic look and develop a plan to either adjust your core mission or plot a path to getting back to why your organization existed in the first place.
- Take a Magnifying Glass to your Programs. Once you’ve gotten refocused on your organization’s mission post-COVID, take a hard look at your program(s). Are they sustainable? How will they be funded? If they are core to your mission, but the funding source has or will be depleted, can you partner with another like-minded organization and pool your resources? Can technology help you better connect with those who support your cause? Can you provide a compelling impact report that proves your work has changed and sustained lives in your community?
- Plan and Communicate. While it would have been to your advantage to start months ago, beginning the shift now can be the key to thriving in 2024 and beyond. If there are programs that are outside your mission and unsustainable, start developing a transition plan now. You’ll need to consider and plan for an internal cultural and staffing impact, and how you will address and mitigate the negative impact of the loss of these programs in the community. Start by having one-on-one conversations with key staff, board, clients, and partners who will be impacted by your organization’s shift. Transitions should be gradual and intentional based on a plan, and transparent both internally and externally so that your donors, staff, and the community can feel confident in your organization’s ability to successfully navigate change.
If you’d like to talk in more detail about transitioning your organization successfully into the post-COVID world, send me a message on LinkedIn or head to the top of the page and click the Contact Us tab. Until then, here’s to leading well!
