1. Notice where you focus your thoughts and energy
Do you spend the majority of your time and energy working toward your goals and focusing on where you want to go with your organization, or do you spend most of your time and energy avoiding problems (e.g. putting out proverbial fires, trying to address or avoid financial difficulties, board and/or staff challenges, etc.)? This is a subtle, yet very powerful distinction between these two opposing ways of thinking and the energy they generate for you and your organization. One creates a culture of excitement, enthusiasm, and helps you attract a following of loyal ambassadors for your organization or cause. The other creates an organizational culture characterized by stress, fear and anxiety.
If all is well, carry on! However, if there are problems and issues and your organization’s overall culture is stressful or negative, that’s a strong indication that it’s time to reframe how you’re thinking. Here’s the good news – you can actually begin shifting the energy of your organization through a conscious, intentional decision to do so. Then, you need to back up that intention through committed and consistent action.
If you’re like the rest of us, you’ve probably developed a habit over the years of default thinking. It’s almost like an unconscious reflex that when something goes wrong, we automatically react by feeling badly and focusing on the problem. I’d invite you to first recognize where your attention and focus is. Then…
2. Change Your State
Realize that we all have challenges – hey, that’s just life. Of course, some challenges are definitely more difficult to maneuver through than others. The trick is to consciously frame how you look at your challenges. When something seemingly bad happens, is your reaction negative (e.g. one of anger, hurt, fear, or blame)? If so, notice but try not to judge your reaction. It’s just that, a reaction. Next change your state.
How? Do or think something to shift your energy to a more positive place. For me, I think about all of the things that I’m grateful for in my world. I spend a LOT of time at my computer, so my screen saver is photos of people I love, beautiful places and cherished memories. I also love to laugh, so I may watch a quick stand-up comedy routine or call a friend and challenge them to make me laugh. I also love nature, so I may go for a walk and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Do whatever works for YOU. The important thing is to shift your attention to something that makes you happy or at least improves your mood.
Once you’ve shifted your state, you can identify the important lessons that your challenges have taught you, learn from them and appreciate the important lesson they’ve taught you.
3. Identify What You Want for Your Organization
Focusing on what you want will help attract the people and energy necessary to help you get there. Together with your team, map out a step-by-step plan to get there.
4. Solicit Help from Others
Delegate responsibilities to those who are willing and able to take on the various tasks and activities – Remember to include regular check-in points for everyone on the team who’s helping to make sure you’re staying on track and consistently moving toward your goals.
5. Expect Success
When we expect good things to happen, we are more excited and motivated to act. Your positive energy and enthusiasm also motivates your team. Get moving on your action plan with full anticipation of success.
Example Scenario:
Let’s say for example, your organization has been funded for many years by the same funder and you’ve come to rely on that money as a “given” in your annual budget. Unbeknownst to you, the funder’s board of directors decides that they want to support some new blood or maybe they change their funding focus and your program or organization is no longer in alignment with their funding priorities. Whatever the case, you’re not getting the money that you were expecting and relying upon. The immediate reaction is one of disbelief, anger and fear. How could this have happened? Why didn’t we see this coming? Where on earth are we going to find replacement funding on such short notice? All of these reactions are normal, typical ones that we see all the time.
