Double down on learning
Strategy for Our Times Part 5
Image description: An illustrated map of the night sky showing a number of constellations. Image by Gordon Johnson on Pixabay.
Talking about trends, as described in the last post, requires trend-spotting. The work of understanding what is ahead and what new solutions are being developed requires ongoing learning and scanning. Build learning into your organization’s culture with the following approaches:
Invest more in learning. With things changing so rapidly, how will you and your team keep up? Nonprofits need to build an organizational culture that supports learning and regular sharing of information. This includes engagement within your field of service (healthcare, education, etc.) and the community you operate in. Be sure to come back and share new insights with everyone on your team during the next staff meeting and/or circulate new resources.
Build a network. Without a diverse network, leaders will not be able to anticipate and prepare for coming trends. Your network can also help you with sensemaking—understanding what is coming and what it may mean for you and your organization. Networks require investment, so join a committee at your professional association or assist with planning the annual conference. If you are lacking the camaraderie you need, convene a group of like-minded people who commit to meet regularly to support each other and keep each other up to date.
Go broad and deep. Following updates from credible institutions in your field is critical. Their blogs and social media posts will keep you abreast of lots of important information. But it is also important to occasionally go deep on the issues of greatest import to you. Don’t rely on quick google searches or superficial blog posts for all your information. When will you set aside time to read an entire book or do some library research to deepen your understanding of key issues? Consulting multiple sources and having time to process and reflect is valuable to build true expertise. It is this sort of knowledge that will ground you and give you the confidence to take action and sustain it over time.