Building focused optimism for the next 10 years
Strategy · Facilitation · Research · Community Engagement
Huge ambitions built on a strong foundation, yet uncertain where to go next
the opportunity
A few years after a successful CEO transition, a new executive leadership team was considering what the future would look like for their large, multi-national nonprofit organization.
Some believes the organization’s revenue streams would wane and they felt and urgency to change. Others felt the organization had already been changing too rapidly, resulting in a need to steady the ship. Still others felt the organization’s internal structure was holding progress back.
Underpinning all of this was a sense that, in order to serve a broad mission, the organization we trying to do everything, everywhere, all at once.
our approach
Inclusive collaboration, anchored by retreats
Situation Grounding
Interviews with staff, leadership, and board members past and present helped the executive team get clear on the current situation.
This prompted the decision to develop a focused 10-year strategic direction.
Weeks 1-4
Strategy Discovery & Development
An inclusive discovery process engaged a cross-functional core team, executive leadership, community advisors, and staff.
Secondary and primary qualitative research informed the development of multiple possible strategic directions for the organization.
Weeks 4-8
Assessment & Decision Making
The core team and executive leaders came together at a retreat to “try one” multiple directions, and select one to refine and pursue.
A second retreat gathered input from broader leadership one what would need to be true for the organization to commit to this new direction.
Weeks 9-12
Finalization & Board Approval
We brought all the thinking together into a single compelling narrative about the future and presented it to the board. The strategy received unanimous approval.
Weeks 12-16
In conversation
How we designed & activated a uniquely collaborative approach to strategy development that resulted in clarity & focus.
The RESULT
From everything, everywhere to focused optimism
The organization developed focus, clarity, and energy for the future, all codified in a clear 10-year strategic direction. The CEO and Board of Trustees committed to the direction fully, knowing it had been arrived at through a rigorous, empathetic, and ethical process.
I will forever be a champion of Mess Hill and your leadership. We are in such a good place with our inspiring 10-year direction. The presentation to the Board was brilliant. Well done and many, many thanks for your thoughtfulness, partnership, and leadership!”
“
CEO
Up next:
Learn how we guided two non-profits through a big decision about their shared futures.