The recent US presidential election could have a big impact on your organization, especially if you’re living and working in America. You may be feeling a variety of emotions and wondering how the results will have a positive and/or negative impact on you, your team, and your organization’s strategy, funding, and programs.
Ignoring the potential opportunities and threats of the new climate could cost your organization a lot of money, force you to downsize or shift your team’s priorities, or disrupt your ability to meet your mission.
Much like in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, our clients who best navigated this type of significant change conducted some practical strategic activities to guide their team. Below are three activities that you can consider implementing.
Discuss Your Core Values
Your organization’s core values are a key guide to how you and your team think and act. At your next team meeting, consider asking each person to reflect on your organization’s values and describe how the values can provide guidance over the next several months. (In response to the impact of COVID, we wrote "Customized Guidance Right Under Your Nose,” a blog article that provides several additional ways to activate not just your values but your mission and vision too.)
Conduct Some Practical Scenario Planning
Perhaps you and your team would like to discuss the potential impacts that the election may have on different components of your organization. If so, watch this informal three-minute video where I walk you through this simple worksheet that will help you consider the opportunities and threats that can impact some of your organizational visions and goals.
Learn from Your Constituents
Your organization’s mission likely exists to meet the needs of your key constituents. Understanding their core needs and aspirations going forward can help you refine your programmatic offerings. As an activity, assign several members of your team to reach out to three constituents to discuss their concerns, hopes, and plans going forward. Then, have a team meeting where each of you discuss what you’ve learned and how your strategies may need to change in response to your constituents’ new needs.
While these activities are designed to be accessible and effective, you can get the most out of them by working with a skilled facilitator or consultant. If you’d like additional guidance, consider reaching out to someone you trust or connect with us at Mission Met. Our mission is to help your organization navigate complex changes and keep your strategic priorities aligned with your mission. Together, we can help you build resilience and adapt thoughtfully to the evolving landscape.
Best of luck to you and your team as you learn and acclimate to the new political climate.