Show how your organisation helps make the world a better place Government and major funders are increasingly looking for organisations that are clear about how they are contributing to wider systemic change. There is significant funding available for organisations that understand systems change and can demonstrate how they contribute to the change. It is no longer good enough to beaver away in your own corner. Regular consultation, communication and engagement with others in the sector, both nationally and internationally, is a great way to better understand how to best contribute to systemic change. We recommend being clear about the “theory of change” for the organisation and then mapping this to a systemic “theory of change”. Going through this process for the board and management is a great way to ensure everyone understands where the organisation fits into the sector and where it makes the most effective and efficient contribution.
“Organisations that can understand and analyse their key strengths and then position themselves to seize new opportunities in the market are going to survive.” Larger organisations are often stuck doing the same thing and find change slow and difficult. Sometimes it is best for larger organisations to break up into new units or departments to start new business ventures. The organisations that are the best at adapting to change tend to have directors and CEOs who have strong business acumen and experience at an appropriate level and can make smart business decisions.
The only certainty about the future is change. And change is coming faster than ever before.
Smaller organisations should make sure they have a number of directors who are experienced in running small businesses, while larger organisations, with bigger administration and budgets, need directors with matching business skills.
Organisations that can understand and analyse their key strengths and then position themselves to seize new opportunities in the market are going to survive.
Wendy Brooks (BMus, LLB Hons) is managing director of Wendy Brooks & Partners, which provides strategic and fundraising advice to NFP organisations.
Adapt your ability to react: Prepare for the opportunities
Smaller organisations have the ability to be agile, but often lack the depth of experience and resourcing needed to take the risks required to change.
Community Directors Intelligence February 2019
MORE INFORMATION www.wendybrooks.com.au
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