Thoughts on “Thriving in the New Normal”

Thoughts on “Thriving in the New Normal”

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the recent Minnesota Council on Nonprofits Leadership conference, “Thriving in the new Normal”.  This theme proposes that our economy, and our organizations, will likely never get back to the “old normal”, which was based on a culture of growth.  By definition, the “new normal” is based on sustaining and mission.  During the conference, not-for-profit organizations were urged to:

• Get past the idea that good = growth;
• Be proud of the ability to be flexible and adapt to change;
• Make decisions that are mission-driven and relevant for the long-term;
• Focus on impact; and
• Be prepared to abandon ideas that no longer fit the mission.

What does this mean for not-for-profit leaders?  Certainly, working smarter, and harder, and probably thinking how to mobilize scarce resources differently.  Most of all, it means sticking to mission with a passion and walking that path until the way becomes clearer, or at least until the fog lifts.  Case in point – several of our long term clients are now comfortable in capital campaign planning after a period of discernment, re-engineering their organizations, re-establishing their priorities, re-engaging volunteers, and re-committing to the principles of social entrepreneurship (for a good definition of social entrepreneurship, see www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes).

It seems to me that successful organizations sustain themselves and serve their constituents because they understand who they are and what they must do.  This strong sense of identity helps them persevere through adversity and change and come out stronger.  They provide hope for those they serve and an inspiration to us all.

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