BIG's Blog: What does good strategy look like?

In my last blog, I recommended the article posted by McKinsey Quarterly’s: The perils of bad strategy.

There were some key points in the article that I want to expound upon in this blog.

Richard Rumelt, author of the article, suggests a successful strategy is one where the leader has identified one or two critical issues that need to be addressed which then become the focus of the plan/action.

“A good strategy does more than urge us toward a goal or vision; it honestly acknowledges the challenge we face and provides an approach to overcoming them.”

Today, our industry faces many challenges: changing demographics, technology and the costs of fundraising. Religious institutions also have challenges: decline in vocations, mission changes and the lack of distinction between religious orders.

From a fundraising perspective, the challenges of the religious institutions can affect the relationship with constituents and donors. These individuals want to know the “Who," “What," and “Why” their support is needed before they will consider a donation.

The challenges of both the fundraising unit and the religious institution must be addressed sooner rather than later. At President Ronald Regan’s first inaugural address he stated, “We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow. And let there be no misunderstanding--we are going to begin to act, beginning today.”

Will your strategy preserve your mission into the future? Is “NOW” not the time to act? If not, when?

-Gail

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