How does your organization really function? No, I mean really…in every aspect: Financial, legal, human resources, governance, etc. An organizational assessment can help you learn about your organization for once you know the strengths and challenges of your organization, you are able to make changes to help it to grow and thrive.
Ideally, nonprofits will want to have a sampling of staff and volunteers complete the assessment; and to ensure staff are comfortable responding as honestly as possible, all responses should be confidential. If an organization has just a few staff, then the entire staff should be invited to complete the assessment. Otherwise, a balance of direct service providers and well as key management staff should participate. In addition, the entire board of directors should provide their perspective by completing the assessment.
Once the assessment has been completed, the real work begins. An objective individual should compile the data provided in the assessments to give a picture of where the organization is at the present moment. Next, members of the leadership team and the board of directors will need to prioritize an action plan to move the organization forward.
For most organizations, it is extremely helpful to have an outside consultant/mentor work with the organization to develop an action plan and make changes. This individual can work with the organization by providing an outside perspective without passing judgment or placing blame on any individual about the current situation.
For an organizational assessment to be effective, key organizational staff (CEO) and board members must commit to accepting the findings of the assessment and then working to make changes to make the organization stronger and more effective.
Could your organization benefit from an organizational assessment? Contact us today to discuss your needs with us.
