Increasingly “change” is the only constant we can count on. As not-for-profit (NFP) leaders we need to step up and stay nimble, to stay on top of the mega trends impacting our organizations. Such as:
BREXIT, Trump, the woman’s march, false news and alternate facts, mass migration of refugees, Keystone XL and NAFTA. In one way or another all events have an impact on what we do. Our organizations are likely to be affected by similar events in the coming year.
Social media is overtaking traditional media as “the” source for news. What can you do to protect your organization’s reputation from “fake news” and “alternate facts”?
Information technology is constantly evolving. What are you doing to make sure your organization is staying on top of these changes?
At the core, NFPs are focused on social equity. What work are you doing within your organization to better support Aboriginals, GLBTQ and the disadvantaged of your community? Similarly, what are you doing to adjust to demographic changes such as increased diversity or boomers retiring and millennials taking over?
The Ontario budget will likely be balanced by 2018. However, the Ontario economy is still not running hot. We are experiencing a jobless recovery. Don’t expect increases in grants and the easing of fundraising troubles. In fact, you will likely continue to be expected to do more with less. What have you done to adopt LEAN planning principles within your organization to reduce downtime and waste while focusing resources on your mission and service delivery to your clients?
Ontario next goes to the polls in 2018. Provincial and national organizations need to understand the political pressures that the three major political parties are facing and how you can profile your issues as opportunities to be addressed in election platforms.
Always assume that change is on the horizon be ready to position your organization to face the changes. Be nimble, and ready to step up to address the changes around you.
I and my Osborne Group colleagues would like to help you explore these and other current and emerging trends. We’re ready to quickly step in and support your needs for as long as you need us.
Visit Osborne-group.com for other Principals’ ideas and opinions on a range of topics. The Osborne Group provides interim executive management, consulting and project support across all sectors and over a broad scope of service areas.
