Embracing the Pre-Summer Rush

Every year, from May to June, social impact organizations rush to meet numerous late-spring and early-summer goals. This period brings more tension among teams who wonder if their delayed holidays will materialize. Leaders and boards face the pressure of uncovering hidden wisdom and buried insights among hastily drawn-up Excel spreadsheets, post-it notes, unanswered emails, unsynced business cards and contacts, and other neglected housekeeping tasks. These insights could lead to new ideas, expand programs and services, and strengthen their bases of support, but with so many competing demands and so little time, it's easy to put them off.

During this time of year, social impact organizations are frustrated with their plans or their current situations. A common sentiment emerges: while starting anything at the beginning of the year can be challenging, maintaining focus throughout the year poses an even greater hurdle. And that pre-summer period is that time of year for organizations? to make too many assumptions rooted in doubt and uncertainty.?

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I frequently hear from nonprofits and social enterprises that summer will be especially hard for them because donors will be less inclined to give, attention will wane, volunteers will become scarce, job seekers will pause their search, and connections will fade. Every time, I ask the same nonprofits and social enterprises how they know these things will be true. The responses are almost always uniformly the same: Because that's what we hear and see from other groups. So it must be true for us.

These assumptions can be tempting, providing a convenient excuse for either delaying plans and commitments until autumn or denying the summer period as an opportunity to explore overlooked options and underutilized resources. But they also serve primarily to reinforce existing fears and insecurities among leaders and teams. They do not help good groups to move forward or to make progress on their goals or objectives or to-do lists.

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The "May-June quarter quandary" can actually be one of the best times for nonprofits and social enterprises to pause, reflect, and slow down — something they may not want to do, or feel comfortable doing, at any other time of the year. Pre-summer indeed can be stressful. But this not-quite annual mid-point allows groups to reassess and reset their efforts.

As a social impact consultant, I am grateful for the opportunity to help organizations navigating this especially tricky period. We have honest conversations that might otherwise be avoided. We provide time and space to confront challenges, identify areas for improvement, and chart a new course. Even a small amount of reflection helps provide the catalyst for a transformational journey. This is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.

Your organization and your teams can absolutely use this pre-summer period to ask if you really want to continue what you're doing and if it’s being done in the best manner. If everything is okay, continue and plan your summer break. If not, plan the break anyway. Your organizations and teams need it as much as you all deserve it.

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In a world filled with needs, every organization operates in a marketplace of competing demands and attention. Good causes can grow and good organizations can sustain themselves, but it takes work, time, focus, and dedication.?

Too often, social impact is framed in terms of certainty, quick wins, and high yields for minimal effort. But building and maintaining true impact requires commitment to a cause, process, or plan. It involves adjustments and flexibility. It demands attention and vigilance, as well as maintenance and care.?

Good organization and good plans, however, must also embrace the power of pausing and stopping. This is especially true for what no longer works, what is no longer effective or relevant, and that which can no longer be justified or managed.?

To all nonprofits and social enterprises: take a break this summer, regardless of your progress or achievements. Every organization and its team members deserve rest and rejuvenation after their hard work. Whether you’ve achieved great success or are struggling, taking time off to reflect and recharge is essential.

Above all, prioritize your well-being and that of your team members. Invest in your organization’s success by taking the time to rest and recharge.

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I care deeply about social impact organizations succeeding. I’ve been in the same situation many times. I know how tough it is to build momentum and how easy it is to set yourself up for failure. Maintaining momentum before and after summer is a struggle— but it doesn't need to be.?

Should you decide you need help pausing and resetting, I’m here to support you in whatever capacity you need. I can provide advice/guidance, serve as a sounding board, or offer a fresh and unbiased perspective on your current efforts.

Interested in working together? DM or connect with me, and let's talk more.

Ryan Turner

?? Consultant for strategy, program development, and fundraising

??? Writer, advisor, mentor

?? English language trainer

???? www.turnerer.com

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