essays – Nonprofits

One Size

I have a small head.

I don’t mean that metaphorically (like I’m humble). I mean that literally (like I have to get hats and bicycle helmets in the children’s and youth sections).

My son and husband have big heads.

Again, that’s a literal not metaphorical statement.

We can rarely wear headgear labelled “one size fits all” (or even “one size fits most”).

I believe that is also true for strategic planning for nonprofits and associations.

Strategic planning is not “plug and play.”

But that’s what nonprofits (and their boards) who are strapped for time and resources want.

For the most part, consumers want products that they can plug and play and use straight out of the box.

I get that. And I want that – especially with the technology I use.

The problem with adopting that mindset with strategic planning, though, is that “when you’ve met one nonprofit. . .You’ve met ONE nonprofit.”

No two organizations are the same.

That’s one reason I push back when someone asks me to facilitate a “strategic planning session.” They are looking for a “one and done” half-day meeting that produces a full-blown 3-5 year plan.

Even if they give me the opportunity to survey internal and external stakeholders prior to the session, that can only give me a snapshot of what’s going on for them.

Strategic planning takes getting to know the organization in depth and over time. It requires asking a lot of questions and going down discussion paths that may not always end up with concise answers.

Yes, I can start with a “process template” that serves as a foundation for working through issues, but that only gives a framework for the important pieces and priorities to move the nonprofit forward.

To truly create a plan that will be successful, that framework needs to be adjusted as ideas and issues are unveiled.

A good facilitator will be able to see where that framework needs to veer off and detour – briefly or for good.

There is no “one size fits all” for strategic planning OR for facilitators. Each organization is different, and each facilitator has their own way of doing things.

Both pieces need to fit. And the pieces need to be adjustable.

Just like hats and helmets.

I love it when I can find a hat that fits me, even if I have to go to the children’s section.

I’m not sure there’s a children’s section for strategic planning.

For that, I think it’s “one size fits none.”