Building a workforce that understands and values your organization’s mission during times of change and transformation.
In 2025, nonprofit organizations will need to embrace a mission-driven approach and they will need to do it while navigating change. Organizations should focus on their goals and values even when facing uncertainty and challenges. Some of these challenges can be as a result of leadership transitions, shifts in economic security, or new pathways forced by things that are completely out of our control.
For organizations to succeed, it's crucial that everyone understands and shares the same vision. Individuals within the same organization may have very distinct interpretations of what the mission or the vision of their organization may be. When leadership is vague or self-serving, various internal and external factors can affect how we tackle challenges. An authentic mission-driven culture can only thrive when everyone in the organization understands how their roles connect. All members must use their unique skills to help reach the organization's goals.
Recently, a professional in my network suggested that employees naturally align with an organization's mission over time, connecting personal aspirations with company objectives. This may be idealistic. Leaders must actively foster understanding and engagement, model desired behaviors, and show that challenges are growth opportunities and every experience contributes to success.
I've realized that being mission-driven doesn't guarantee passion or purpose in work. Change can mistakenly be seen as a challenge. Good intentions aren't enough; if team members feel disconnected from the mission or their roles, desired results may not occur. This disconnect can cause disappointment, confusion, and disengagement, leading individuals to pursue their own paths instead of working towards shared goals.
To promote professional growth during a time of change, experienced team members should create an environment where newcomers can learn from their mistakes. One way to do this is to rethink their strategies. Seasoned employees can be seen as a resource and not a threat. This approach helps people grow and builds a sense of belonging - one that contributes to the long term goals without sacrificing a shared mission.
To fulfill a mission, organizations must focus on people, prioritizing the well-being of staff and clients. Modern nonprofits should be transformational, fostering motivation and personal growth rather than just meeting goals. Building an inclusive culture that engages all, not just top leadership, is crucial for success and achieving the mission, especially during change and uncertainty.
Eight Recommendations for Mission-Driven Organizations:
Understand your mission, not just memorize it as part of your marketing and branding strategy. Once you understand it, live it in every aspect of your organization’s deliverables.
Foster a shared understanding and engagement among employees. Allow room for connecting and learning by normalizing a process that is organic and fluid.
Encourage team members to have their own purpose and passions. While working towards a common goal is essential, individuality should also be viewed as an asset.
Create an environment where emerging professionals can safely experience failure. This can be achieved when they can seek guidance without fear and where they can benefit from individualized coaching from senior leaders.
Help individuals cultivate a sense of belonging within a shared mission. Remember to share big and small victories with the team. Each milestone gets them closer to the mission.
Recognize the importance of being inter-connected, not just during special projects, activities or events, but all year around. Create opportunities outside of holidays, corporate cookouts and fundraisers for employees to become colleagues and coworkers not just employees.
Adopt a people-centered approach, where you view your staff as your most important customer. If your staff is at the center, then your clients will be well taken care of even in the most trying of circumstances.
Maritza Raimundi-Petroski, Co-Founder, MAPA Collaboratives, LLC.
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