The wisdom of listening
Yesterday I completed a strategic planning process with a non-profit whose own board questioned the very existence and validity of the organization’s mission. In the process I facilitated dozens of small focus groups with about 80 key stakeholders including staff and board, clients and consultants, community leaders and funders.
From the process emerges a very clear and widely supported mandate for a radical transition to a new organizational mission and revenue model. Some of the board members dismissed the listening with their own agendas, inspiring my wisdom to the organization’s director: Do not be second guessed by those afraid to listen. Trust your instinct to listen, as you have, and surround yourself with those who have the will to do the same.
