In conversation with Lori Stanley

Lori Stanley is a strategy consultant in Canada.? She empowers nonprofits to focus on the right things at the right time to elevate their impact and sustainability.??

This work is deeply meaningful and purposeful. She envisions a world in which all nonprofits achieve their missions and visions. As a former Executive leader, she knows the complexities of the nonprofit world, which faces multiple mandates, deliverables, and priorities.?

Whether it’s developing a strategy, conducting a needs assessment, developing a theory of change, or conducting an organizational review, Lori empowers nonprofits to increase their capacity to respond to challenges that could compromise their mission.

What is the mission of a nonprofit organization?

The mission of a nonprofit is different for each organization. It articulates the reason for the organization's existence, its intended impact or contribution to society, and the beneficiaries it serves. The mission statement clarifies and directs the organization's activities and decision-making processes.

It accompanies an organization's vision, answering where and what we want to be. It is a statement that describes its desired future state or ultimate goal. It articulates what the organization aspires to achieve long-term and provides a compelling picture of its impact or contribution to society. A vision statement is often inspirational and guides strategic planning and decision-making, helping to align interested parties toward a common purpose.

Why are goals important to a nonprofit organization???

?In a nonprofit organization, a goal is a specific, measurable, and achievable objective that the organization aims to accomplish within a defined timeframe. Goals are typically derived from the organization's mission and vision and are designed to advance its mission and make progress toward its long-term vision. They provide direction and focus for the organization's activities and initiatives, helping to guide strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.?

Knowing how to set, define, and measure goals is an art. It's important to focus on what you want to achieve rather than the how. It is helpful to start with the end in mind.? That is defining what success or done looks like and then identifying the actions or steps that will get you there.?

Imagine watching a soccer game where the team didn’t know they needed to put the ball in the net or a baseball team that didn’t know they needed to hit a home run.??

How would you increase employee morale in a nonprofit???

There is no magic wand that can be applied to all organizations.? It is important to start with an assessment to understand what is impacting morale.??

Research shows that employees value autonomy, flexibility, the ability to innovate, clear roles and responsibilities, and doing their best when they can connect their work to the organization's purpose.?

Psychological safety, employee engagement, strong inclusion, equity, and diversity practices are vital to creating a sense of belonging and value.

Begin by asking employees, creating a strategy, and agreeing on the outcome.? Then, experiment or pilot interventions.? Ensure that you have a feedback loop to adjust your strategy accordingly.? ?

Thank you very much to Lori Stanley for joining us for this amazing conversation.