It’s time. Your organization has decided to make a change. Perhaps you are embarking on a minor change (implementing a new donor database), a moderate change (reorganizing your team’s structure), or a monumental change (expanding your organization’s mission). Regardless of the type of change, its success or failure begins with communication.

Implementing change can often occur as a top-down process: leaders determine the path forward and instruct those on the ground. However, strategically altering this process through effective communication can ensure a more successful implementation. Engaging those affected by the change in its implementation, can shift ownership from “changes made by them” to “changes made by us”. This helps ensure that all involved have a stake in both the effective implementation and sustainability of the change.
 
Reduce Uncertainty:
Change means that something familiar is ending, and something unknown is beginning. This innate uncertainty often results in increased levels of stress, anxiety, and distrust. In order to ease these (often unspoken) concerns, leadership must identify and respond to all areas of uncertainty. 

​“We are working on a thorough transition plan to implement this change, which will begin on January 1st. Until that time, all staff and volunteers should continue utilizing our current processes. You will receive further information in the coming months regarding the details of our transition plan.” 

Clarify Expectations:
A new path forward inevitably results in new expectations regarding procedures, responsibilities, and accountability. If these aren’t clearly articulated, the ambiguity can lead to increased levels of fear, frustration, and resentment; and subsequently decreased levels of morale, loyalty, and trust. Simply clarifying expectations and maintaining accountability, can help address these concerns.

"Our meeting on Monday will discuss areas of upcoming change, and how each step will be implemented.”   

Avoid the Spiral of Silence:
Everyone involved in change is a stakeholder in its success or failure. If stakeholders believe that sharing their opinions is unwelcomed or unpopular, they will often remain silent. People believing that their opinions are not valued, leads to believing that they are not valued, which results in decreased levels of engagement, loyalty, and trust. In order to address these problems, leaders must provide opportunities for all stakeholders to share their perspectives, questions, or concerns about the change in a respectful environment.

"We will be hosting a town hall meeting on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. to discuss details of the upcoming change and provide an opportunity for members of the community to ask any questions they may have.”  

No matter what type of change you are implementing, communication is a key strategic element of either its success or failure. 
 
Ready to implement real change in your organization, but unsure where to start? Reach out to us today, and let us help you empower your mission.

The curious observe the status-quo and imagine something different. The courageous examine the true merit of the current path and strive for something better.

​No matter how your organization approaches change (minor, moderate, or monumental), the opportunity it provides is irrefutable: discovering that there might be a better way.

This is, after all, a founding principle of so many mission-based organizations: examine the world’s status-quo, decide that things could be better, and work toward implementing real change. Spreading the Gospel, preserving the environment, reallocating resources, serving those in need, enhancing education; no matter what your organization’s mission, striving for better is at the very core of who you are and why you do what you do.

Regardless of whether your organization is searching for a new website platform, determining your next outreach project, or expanding your overall mission, your approach should be the same: use communication effectively. 

Who is at the table?
Thoroughly examine all levels of your organization and determine who will be the most impacted by the impending change, and ensure they are represented in a transparent process.

• Do you just need members of your leadership team? Do you need a cross-section of all staff and volunteers?
• Will the Chair of the Board communicate who is involved in the decision-making process? Will members of the team self-identify in a joint press release?

What is the process?
Ensure everyone knows the process for brainstorming, evaluating the options, choosing a path, and implementing a change.

• Are you utilizing true brainstorming? Is it a facilitated discussion?
• Is the whole group evaluating all options? Are the options being presented to the leadership to evaluate?
• Is the team voting on the best path forward? Is the leader solely making the decision?
• Will the staff implement the change immediately? Will there be a trial period with volunteers to test out the change?

What is the decision?
Once a decision is reached, ensure that both the path forward and the implementation plan are effectively communicated to those who need to know.

• Will the CEO send out an email to the staff and volunteers? Will the team leader schedule a face-to-face meeting to share the news?
• Will the decision-making team write an article sharing their step-by-step plan for moving forward? ​Will the Board publish a video explaining next steps?

​No matter what change you are undertaking, effective communication is a vital element of its success. Change is an integral part of who your organization is; don’t let the process be driven by fear or desperation. Instead use communication tools strategically to ensure your change isn’t just making things different, but truly making things better.

Ready to embark on real change in your organization, but unsure where to start? Reach out to us today, and let us help you empower your mission through intentional growth.  

Any number of scenarios (natural disaster, illness, emergency, etc.) could force people apart, sending them to different physical locations across your community or around the globe. 
 
Rather than seeing this as a challenge to your organization, use the opportunity to offer new ways of community building and engagement with your mission, for both current and potential new members. Providing options for people to feel connected, especially when they are far apart, can help increase their emotional connection and deepen their commitment to your mission. 

There are numerous tools and infinite ways to expand your community. Below are just a few suggestions: 
 
Virtual Gatherings:
Host virtual get-togethers to help your community remain connected through virtual meeting tools like Skype, Google Hangout, Zoom, etc.

• Motivation Monday
• Weekly Check-ins
• Virtual Dinner & Discussion

Share Phone Trees:
Ask volunteers, donors, and organization leaders to help check-in on a few community members each. Give them a list, and ask those they call to do the same.

• Elderly and home-bound members
• Those in hot-spot areas
• Anyone who might be running low on resources

Social Media Campaigns: 
Invite your community to share photos or videos of how they are engaging in your mission and help spark ideas for others.

• Preparing meals for those in need
• Planting community gardens
• Collecting donations for local shelters

Card and Notes:
Ask members of your community to join together in writing and sending cards or notes to those in need both near and far.

• Encouragement and appreciation to those at the frontlines of the crisis (firefighters, nurses, 911 operators, etc.)
• Reminders to those most isolated that you care about them and are thinking of them (elderly, those who live alone, sick, etc.)
• Ask kids to draw pictures of their real life heroes and send it to that person with a small note (teacher, parent, neighbor, etc.)

 
Video Messages:
A short encouraging and engaging video from your leader(s) can go a long way in helping remind your volunteers, donor, and staff that your mission and community will rise above the current circumstances, and together you will continue to make a positive impact in the world.

• Board members discussing why your mission is important to them
• Organization Founder/Director talking about how your mission will continue during the current circumstances
• Local Chapter Presidents sharing recent mission success stories

 
Whatever circumstances you may be facing, remember that distance is not a blockade to community. Rather, it is an opportunity to engage and expand your community in a new way. 
 
If you are ready to explore new ways to grow your community, reach out to us and learn how we can help empower your mission!