Following on from the first blog in my series of the 10 things you need to know about not-for-profit governance blogs – about Rules/Constitution – this week we are going to explore the second area: Purpose and Strategy.
Purpose – or what in some Constitutions may be referred to as the Objects – is the core of why your organisation exists. It is what your organisation was originally established to do (or perhaps over time has evolved to do), and it should always be the compass point that guides you in all the actions that you take and the decisions that you make on behalf of your organisation.
As it generally sits within your Rules or Constitution it is usually legally binding, and thus you would likely need to go through a formal process to make any changes to it (and your Rules/Constitution should step out that formal process for you to follow). Given the legally binding nature of the Purpose, it is technically illegal to operate outside of it, so it is particularly important to make sure it is at the centre of everything your organisation does.
Strategy is closely linked to Purpose as it is the mechanism we use to help us effectively and efficiently deliver on our Purpose. Strategy provides us with a roadmap to follow that ensures your organisation moves forward, stays on track, and remains focused on things that will deliver on the Purpose. Without a well thought through and documented Strategy, you may find yourself lacking direction, focus, and clarity.
Undertaking regular consultative and inclusive reviews and updates of your organisation’s Strategy is important as this ensures that the right people, and the appropriate range of people, are consulted and contribute to your organisation’s Strategy. It should not be something that is devised behind closed doors, by one or two people, for others to simply rubber-stamp.
So your Purpose and your Strategy really do go hand in hand. They are the backbone of your organisation’s governance and serve as the foundation for its success. By staying true to your Purpose and having a well-defined Strategy, you create a solid framework for making impactful decisions and driving positive change.
Stay tuned for the next installment in my 10 things blog series, where I’ll explore another essential aspect of not-for-profit governance – Financial Sustainability and Obligations.
If you’d like to catch up on the 10 things webinar, where I discuss these 10 essential elements of not-for-profit governance in more detail, you can check that out HERE – the passcode is 7A#AQMg*
And if you think I can help you or your not-for-profit with YOUR good governance, do have a look at the supports and services I offer organisations HERE – and if you would like to book a discovery call with me, to discuss your needs, you can do that HERE.
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