Strategy Secrets: Know Who You Are
One of the myths of strategy is that it's about pursuing new, more, different, or "better" ideas.
There's this belief that "better" ideas mean we'll attract more funding and be more likely to succeed.
Here's the truth.
Most organizations are FULL of great ideas, but...
→ They struggle with which ones to pursue, or
→ They may not be the right organization to implement them.
Too often, I see nonprofits investing time, energy & resources in creating strategies and strategic plans that are:
→ built for some ideal version of their organization that isn't reflective of current realities, or
→ a great plan for some other organization working in their issue area or geography.
The problem isn't usually ideas - it's how clear you are on your identity.
Your identity isn't just your vision, mission and values. It's:
→ your role in your issue area or community,
→ your strengths and the people who make that possible,
→ your vibe,
→ your preferences, and
→ how those shape what you do best and what you choose to focus on.
If you're going to be launching a strategic planning process this fall, build in time to clarify your identity BEFORE you get into brainstorming or community input mode.
Need help to make that happen? We’re here for you. Schedule a services inquiry call with us to learn more about our approach to supporting organizations as they clarify their strategic identity.