This month I’m doing a mini-series called Lessons from COVID that are still relevant today. Pulling together collections of conversations that I had with sector leaders called the Next Normal. We were deep in the days of COVID, and heading into a difficult election season, and everything felt fraught and difficult. And no one knew what our organizations and our work and our sector would look like on the other end of it all.

Now, here we are 4 summers later, and we’re starting to see which shifts stuck and which learnings from those difficult times actually reshaped how we operate together and as a sector. We saw that there are some fundamental questions and truths - about community, leadership, partnerships and sustainability - that endure.

I’m bringing you snippets of conversations that illuminate some of those questions and truths.

These conversations are with Tarik Ward, Director of Global Strategic Operations and U.S. Programs for the ELMA Philanthropies Services.

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In this episode, I'm diving into the often overlooked but critical elements of effective leadership: bravery and grace. While I usually focus on the skills and strategies for launching and scaling high-impact nonprofits, today I'm shedding light on the mindset shifts that can propel your organization forward. Tune in to discover why acting before you're comfortable and giving yourself grace when things don't go as planned are just as important as any strategic plan.

What You'll Learn:

• The importance of bravery and grace in leadership.
• How to act with confidence even when you don't feel it.
• Strategies for giving yourself grace and moving forward after setbacks.

Key Takeaways:

1. Bravery is essential for taking action before you feel ready.
2. Grace allows you to forgive yourself when you fall short.
3. Effective leadership often requires acting "as if" you are confident.
4. Tough conversations are a part of leadership and shouldn't be avoided.
5. Every leader faces fear and doubt; overcoming these is part of the journey.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Identify the Challenge: Recognize when a situation requires bravery, such as having a tough conversation with your team.
2. Act As If: Ask yourself, "What would the confident version of me do?" and act accordingly, even if you don't feel confident.
3. Take Action: Implement the decision or have the conversation, embracing the discomfort.
4. Reflect: Assess how the action went, regardless of the outcome.
5. Give Grace: Forgive yourself for any perceived shortcomings and plan your next steps with a clear mind.

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In this episode, I dive into the essentials of creating a high-impact strategic plan for your nonprofit. Last week, we explored the importance of a well-structured planning process and clarity about your end goal. This week, we focus on the content of your strategic plan, ensuring it’s both inspiring and actionable. Whether you're leading the process or working with a facilitator, understanding these elements is crucial.

What You'll Learn:

• How to articulate a 10-year guiding vision that serves as your organization's North Star.
• The importance of defining 3-year strategic priorities and goals.
• Effective strategies for engaging stakeholders and maintaining flexibility in your plans.

Key Takeaways:

1. 10-Year Vision: Define a long-term vision that inspires and guides your team.
2. Strategic Priorities: Choose focus areas that maximize your impact over the next 3-5 years.
3. Goals vs. Activities: Set strategic goals as end results, not just a list of tasks.
4. Core Strategies: Outline broad approaches instead of detailed activities to stay flexible.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Involve key stakeholders in the planning process for better buy-in and support.

Resources Mentioned:

• Self-Facilitated Strategic Planning Kit: A comprehensive toolkit with video trainings, step-by-step guides, worksheets, model agendas, and sample plans. Grab it here
• Leadership Forward 321 Newsletter: Subscribe for weekly insights and examples of strategic plans in action. Subscribe here

Want to work together?

Join The Collective, a membership community for nonprofit leaders who want to scale their budget and impact, & let's set your nonprofit on a path to strategic and sustainable growth!

Connect with me!

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