Nonprofit turnaround for a vibrant future

A nonprofit spiritual community center located in the Houston Metropolitan Area was facing an existential threat. It forecasted bankruptcy within a year if immediate steps weren’t taken to turn things around.

John was engaged to design and facilitate a series of strategic planning sessions with the Board of Directors and officers to develop a three-year strategic plan for the organization along with an executable 30-60-90 day action plan to address immediate business priorities. Also, the client requested John’s support to clarify and define organizational roles and functions for the board members and officers and to improve the team effectiveness of the board.

An appreciative inquiry method was used to build a foundation based on what the team believed the organization was doing right and the strengths each leader brought to the table. Once the group recognized and celebrated this foundation, it was ready to turn their attention toward planning and approach it with enthusiasm and excitement. In parallel with the planning sessions, board members were coached on how to increase their team effectiveness to address issues, manage conflict, make decisions, and hold themselves and each other to account for honoring commitments.

The group completed its strategic and action planning effort, resulting in a successful turnaround of their financial situation within three months, increasing membership and donations, and moving forward toward their strategic goals.