Convenient or Essential

Staying Focused on the Mission

By Heidi Herron
SCC Consultant 

In the chaos of COVID, reduced resources, and political and civic unrest, there is one question that all nonprofits are asking themselves in this moment: “How do we stay focused on our mission?” Given the new landscape, one key way is to take a careful look at your programming through the lens of essential versus nonessential programming. 

Now is the time to identify those on your team who are unafraid of change and who can envision new ways of doing things given the drastically different terrain. Strengths-Based Leadership, by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie, suggests leaning on those teammates who are strong in strategy and learning. There are some on your team who thrive in times of change and will be energized to lead during these times. Strategists will ask, What are ways around our current roadblocks? Those strong in learning and input will enjoy researching how similar organizations have pivoted to meet their mission. By releasing some non-essential items – allowing them to be paused or left in the rear-view mirror altogether – you may find that meeting your mission is still easily within your reach. Here are some examples from two of our clients:

Christian Cupboard Emergency Food Shelf quickly realized that getting food to those in need was essential during this pandemic. However, in the age of COVID-19, in-person shopping was no longer an option. So, as a result, they have neatly pivoted: Staff and volunteers now pack food in boxes and clients never leave their cars. Drive-up service ensures not only that the organization is meeting its mission to provide nutritious food to our neighbors – but also ensures safety for volunteers, staff, and those in need. 

The services of Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) are needed more than ever in our politically and socially polarized society. DRC’s leadership determined that continuing their careful work of mediation and restorative justice circles was essential to their mission of promoting the constructive resolution of conflict through open communication and shared decision-making. Therefore, the healing work of this organization is now happening through socially distanced meetings in parks or through Zoom. 

Now is not the time to lead by focusing on all the potholes and the scarcity, but by tapping into those on your team who can envision a way to meet the mission within a whole new paradigm.  This kind of work will enliven some on your team, yet exhaust others. Lean on those who have the energy to envision a greater future with abundance for all.