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PROJECT POINTERS
Issue 64 - Winter 2021
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Once I moved past mourning what the holidays could not be, I had an unexpectedly grand time all month. I found time to think more expansively about both personal and professional matters, enjoyed a return to creative activities, nurtured my friendships, and caught up with myself. Would I have traded it for lots of social events with loved ones? Of course. But I made the most of the confinement and hope some of this continues until we can safely be out and about.
The year ended on a celebratory note when I learned a merger client received $4 million as part of the MacKenzie Scott donations. Congratulations to Easter Seals and Pam Green, the nonprofit's superb leader.
In addition to two merger explorations and a few other projects, I am delivering several presentations in the next couple of months. The value of working together to deliver excellent client services has never been more obvious. This edition of Project Pointers offers a few thoughts about partnering as an art, an approach we often ignore.
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The Choreography of Partnerships |
I'm often asked how to create a good partnership. There are plenty of useful charts and checklists for due diligence and integration, but they only go so far. After so many years of leading groups, I know the creation of a partnership is more like a dance than a series of tasks. The magic lies between the "to do" lists, is subjective, and usually emerges when least expected. The process should be regarded as choreography, an art that requires experience and creativity. As with most art forms, this partnership choreography rests on five basic principles:
Context.
We don't always know what we're getting into or what the outcome will be until we immerse ourselves in the details. For example, when board members who are exploring a merger move through due diligence tasks, the goals of the partnership project may shift to accommodate what they learn in the process. Or a brilliant idea for a new service offering only makes sense if it can be implemented in the right setting or time. The pandemic has served as a reminder of how important context can be for all planning, especially those involving other nonprofits.
Harmony.
The art principle of harmony refers to cohesiveness. Are participants working toward the same goals and is there a strong sense of unity? The word harmony does not imply the absence of conflict or challenges. Rather, it refers to the similarities of separate but related factors in a partnership exploration. The work rests on the assumption that a diverse range of activities can be combined in a meaningful way to create something new and better.
Variety.
Good art allows us to see the world through another's eyes and variety is the element that adds interest and fuels creativity. In an attempt to save time, it can be tempting to focus on a narrow range of topics or tasks. While efficient, this does not allow for more creative approaches that bubble up during open discussions. To offset boredom and overly prescribed planning, encourage a variety of viewpoints and let in the color. Variety drives more meaningful strategies, expanding and improving client services.
Balance.
Just as this element is present in dance, painting, or music, crafting a successful partnership also requires balance. From initial negotiations through the full integration of two or more organizations, recalibration will be required to achieve a calm center from which the hard work occurs. Balance also refers to the emotional health of the participants, who should be encouraged to spend time on non-work areas of their lives. When major problems occur in a merger process, for example, they have invariably resulted from an imbalance of energy, communication or priorities. When this occurs, ask how the overall process is being choreographed and evaluate the effectiveness of the person who is leading it.
Form.
This art term refers to shape, texture, proportion and space. All of these qualities are operating during a process to define and establish a partnership, although participants may not think in art terms. It helps to move past the documents and checklists so board members and staff know they are the choreographers of a new vision, providing form to what can be a vague goal. The skillful application of imaginative and technical experience can support a project from concept through completion, successfully mastering the choreography required for success.
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Participants asked several questions during recent webinars. To read my responses please click here.
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"I cannot tell you how I value your guidance and friendship. It's so very reassuring to have the benefit of your experience and insights - and to know your radar really does go around corners!"
-- CEO, disabilities provider
"Thanks for all the support, leadership and good instincts!"
-- CEO, behavioral health provider
"Thank you for your patience and kindness through this process of growing pains."
-- Board member, partnership exploration
"Thanks, Marta. Wonderful discussion that everyone in our sector can benefit from learning."
-- Webinar participant
"Thank you for a great webinar -- I've learned a lot!
-- Webinar participant
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Kentucky Nonprofit Network |
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I have supported this highly effective organization for several years. With over 750 members, the Kentucky Nonprofit Network is Kentucky's state association of nonprofits. Founded in 2002, KNN exists to strengthen and advance the Commonwealth's nonprofit organizations. KNN provides quality education, sharing of best practices and resources, time and money-saving member benefits, and a unified public policy voice.
Some of the many resources KNN offers are a free Survive & Thrive Toolkit for Nonprofits Facing Crisis and Change: the Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Kentucky guide and members-only workbook; and webinars on a wide range of topics. Since March, KNN has hosted free weekly virtual town hall meetings - open to all nonprofits - to discuss updates related to COVID-19 relevant resources, advocacy initiatives, and policy updates.
Membership is available to nonprofits across the state on a sliding scale as well as to foundations and other Grantmakers, consultants, businesses, students, and individuals. Among other benefits and discount partners, KNN offers qualifying members access to a comprehensive and competitive association health insurance plan through the KNN Employee Benefits Program.
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A client recently needed four resources, which I was able to secure the same day. This was possible because of my seasoned network of independent consultants who provide a wide, deep range of excellent services. What do you need? Please let me know if you would like an introduction for any of the following:
- Fund development/philanthropy
- Strategic planning and enterprise development
- Board development and training
- Video conference training
- Human resources
- Communication, marketing, public relations
- Financial management and forecasting
- Event Planning
- Integrated health services management
- Transitional leadership
- Organizational development and coaching
- Evaluation
- Administrative services
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It's easy to think of art and science as completely separate approaches, but the best outcomes occur when these two worlds collide. DaVinci advises us to develop a complete mindset with this famous quote: "Study the science of art; study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else."
Wishing you all good connections and completeness in 2021.
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553 East 4th Street,
Newport, KY 41071
859-581-7089
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