Boards, Leadership, Strategy, & Operations

Why "When" Matters More Than "What" in Nonprofit Strategy

In the world of nonprofits and leadership, we're often bombarded with advice on what to do next. But in my work with nonprofit CEOs, I’ve found that the question of “when” can be even more critical. Knowing when to take action can be the difference between success and frustration.

Table of Contents:

Focus on Timing

In a recent coaching call, we discussed strategies and the importance of timing. One takeaway was the realization that it's okay, even great, to have just one or two goals. It's not about having a long list of things to do but about deciding when to tackle each one.

"Nail down when you are going to do something. You can always learn a new what to do tomorrow." - Sarah Olivieri

Examples

Example 1: Imagine you’ve just learned about the power of social media for fundraising. Instead of jumping in immediately, consider your current workload and resources. Plan to start a small social media campaign next month, when your team has the bandwidth to manage it effectively.

Example 2: You’re inundated with options: social media, email campaigns, webinars, etc. Instead of trying everything at once, pick one method and schedule it. Maybe you decide to focus on email campaigns for the next quarter, mastering it before moving to another strategy.

Key Points

Focus on timing (when) rather than just the action (what).
Consult with someone who understands your capacity and goals.
Start with one or two key goals and build from there.
Learn and adapt with each step, refining your approach continuously.

Pro Tip

To make the most of your timing decisions, seek support from a coach or mentor. They can provide valuable insights into the best timing for your actions, based on your specific situation.

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