The Power Of Purpose For Nonprofit Transformation
Happy Friday!
Here’s a challenge for all you nonprofit leaders. Think of one decision you could make that would create the most profound change in your organization.
If your decision altered, even slightly, its fundamental purpose, congrats! You've identified one of the highest leverage points for transforming or turning around any system - especially an organizational system.
Consider the Golden State Warriors, an elite NBA team. In scenario one, we trade away all their best players. Their winning percentage plummets along with morale, attendance, and sales. Anxiety increases, which leads to a quick-fix mentality. And so on.
It would take years, but they would rebuild.
In scenario two, we change their purpose from “winning the most championships” to “entertaining the most people.” Then we sit back and watch the system change itself in profound and permanent ways. Structures. Staffing. Culture. Branding. Equipment. Activities. Ideas. Language.
In real life, the Warriors’ website promises another championship and features clips of the coach at a press conference. The Harlem Globetrotters’ website promises “a non-stop LOL good time,” and features clips of trampoline dunks.
Same ball, court, scoring system, number of players. But change the purpose even slightly and you get wildly different outcomes.
Takeaways:
Purpose is one of the most powerful forces driving organizational outcomes
If you’re expecting NBA outcomes, but you’re getting Globetrotter outcomes, make sure everyone is aligned on the system’s purpose
This holds true at any scale, from a process to a project, from a team to a single nonprofit to a global alliance
Have a great weekend!
Drew
PS: I’d love to hear what one decision you came up with! Sharing is caring :-) And speaking of sharing, if you know anyone who would like these emails, forward it along and encourage them to sign up. Thanks!
