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The word I hear lately more than any other is uncertainty<\/em>.<\/p>\n Here in the US, every four years on January 20 there is a change of power. It comes with the awesome privilege of being part of this great democratic experiment called the United States of America.<\/p>\n In my lifetime as a voter, there have been plenty of times when the guy I voted for lost. In fact, that\u2019s probably more the rule than the exception. And no, I didn\u2019t vote for the man being inaugurated this week.<\/p>\n But this feels different. I am anxious in a way I never have been before. More uncertain. Less because of the \u201cwho\u201d as much as the \u201chow\u201d and what all of it says about the world we live in.<\/p>\n In this, I know I am not alone. Not at my kitchen table. Not in my neighborhood and certainly not among nonprofit leaders I connect with every day.<\/p>\n And the anxiety isn\u2019t just coming from those who didn\u2019t vote for him. I know Republicans who feel uncertain as well. Sure, they voted for our new President. But they\u2019re not entirely sure what to expect going forward.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a lot we all just don\u2019t know yet.<\/p>\n But this blog isn\u2019t about politics. It\u2019s about nonprofit leadership. And that\u2019s what I want to discuss today \u2013 how nonprofits are navigating a world turned upside down.<\/p>\n I have questions. I know a lot of you have questions.<\/p>\n – Has there already been an impact on the way nonprofits are doing things?<\/p>\n – How are nonprofit leaders approaching the uncertainty strategically?<\/p>\n – What\u2019s the best way for nonprofit leaders to lead those in their organizations that are feeling particularly anxious or vulnerable?<\/p>\n I asked some folks in the trenches \u2013 five wonderful and diverse nonprofit leaders across sectors \u2013 to share their thoughts about how they are approaching the uncertainty in their organization and to offer a piece of advice on how to contend with the unchartered waters ahead.<\/p>\n One important note. The uncertainty does not rest solely in what would be called \u201cprogressive\u201d or \u201cliberal\u201d organizations. And the list below is hardly representative. I do hope that folks of all ideological stripes will weigh in with comments.<\/p>\n My \u201cpanel\u201d today is comprised of these five wonderful nonprofit leaders:<\/p>\n A big thank you to each of you!<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what I asked them\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cWe are deeply concerned, especially about the impact of folks living with HIV on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act\u2026 One staff member told me, \u2018My soul hurts.\u2019 I am reminding people that we chose this work because we are fighters.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOur team is motivated and we feel prepared and ready. This moment feels very pregnant since everything is all so theoretical and not yet real.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAs a performing arts organization, the magnetism of political polarization can distract from our core mission. The Arts take on a renewed urgency in an atmosphere of division and distrust. The work of orchestras tangibly demonstrates the power of unity as we reach for something greater than ourselves.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cStaff is responding differently. Some struggling, but many are jumping into a new state of concentration, looking for new opportunities as well as focusing on how to preserve gains.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe uncertainty has galvanized us. My staff is inspiring me!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Summary: Renewed focus, a sense of urgency, deep concern<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cFostering non-politicized spaces for interaction is an act of radical service to society right now. I am reminding our musicians and as many people as I can that we have a shared purpose to meet the human need for beauty with music<\/em>.”<\/p>\n \u201cWe are consulting with allies at other nonprofits – trading ideas, strategies, and suggestions. We are focusing on sharing approaches with friends and colleagues.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAs an organization, we are turning to history, reaching back to challenging and uncertain times we have faced to remind all of us that we have been here before \u2013 and triumphed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe are participating in conversations \u2013 as many as we can \u2013 to learn as much as we can about what could<\/u> happen. We are working hard not to be reactive (and not to overreact) but to be strategic. We have a strong strategic plan and now more than ever, it needs to be a living and breathing document \u2013 if we have to shift, we will. Our goal is to work to anticipate and get out in front.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe raise money to help young girls internationally and so we are looking to partner with US based organizations to raise awareness of the work.<\/em><\/p>\n Summary: Build partnerships, create bridges, find ways to engage outside of politics, look to the past for inspiration<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAs a leader, ask yourself how you can lend your voice to creating a shared global movement? Focus on your voice and your messaging. People are listening.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cTap into the fierce passion about your mission. Keep your eyes open as you may be forced to make rapid decisions in a setting in which there is so much we do not know. Be alert, nimble, act with urgency and be fierce!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cKeep your board in the loop \u2013 the good, the bad, the ugly and share what you are uncertain about \u2013 be authentic and offer them the opportunity to support and partner with you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBe patient. Have we not learned that government moves slowly? Many changes may be 12 – 18 months down the road. We may have more time than we think (or feel).\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cStick to your core. When you are not sure what to do, make sure that everything you do comes from your mission. Collaborate with others, reach beyond yourself, and do this with total clarity about what you do, whom you serve and why it all matters.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHow can you be a leader in these times? Not just in your organization. You have a unique role in your organization, your sector, your community, your state, your neighborhood. People respect you, admire you and look to you as models. Use your platform to engage people in real conversation about what really matters.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cRemember that regardless of what you do and the anxiety you may feel, your work elevates society in deep and profound ways.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Summary: It\u2019s hard to miss the theme. Focus on your mission. Don\u2019t let yourself get distracted. Be agile. Communicate well. Partner and collaborate.<\/strong><\/p>\n The nonprofit sector has such a critical role to play in lifting us all up in times of uncertainty. And that has ZERO to do with who you voted for, who is in the White House, and it’s true regardless of\u00a0the mission of your organization.<\/p>\n At times of uncertainty, people look to the voices of the leaders around them \u2013 not just to assure them but also to engage<\/em> them.<\/p>\n You know how folks say that going to the gym and working out can reduce stress? If you\u2019re not actively engaged right now, maybe it\u2019s time to think about volunteering and moving from the stands onto the field. The nonprofit sector needs you. And maybe \u2013 just maybe \u2013 you need them<\/a>.<\/p>\n I am reading a terrific book and I highly recommend it. Particularly now. It\u2019s called Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives<\/a><\/u><\/em>, by Tim Harford.<\/p>\n Not coincidentally, Tim will be a guest on an upcoming podcast. He and I both use the word \u201cmessy\u201d in a factual and not in a pejorative way. In fact, my podcast is actually called Nonprofits Are Messy<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
WHAT IMPACT IS THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD HAVING FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
HOW ARE YOU APPROACHING THE UNCERTAINTY STRATEGICALLY?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUR COLLEAGUE NONPROFIT LEADERS?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
HERE\u2019S WHAT I THINK\u2026\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
LISTEN TO WHAT PARISA PARSA HAS TO SAY<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n