Non Profit Case Study

Overview

Case Study: Reviving Organizational Culture in a Growing Non-Profit

Introduction

This case study examines the challenges faced by a growing non-profit organization suffering from a toxic work environment and a disconnected C-suite. The organization realized the need for change and engaged in a comprehensive culture revitalization initiative to improve communication, collaboration, and strategic alignment within the leadership team.

Background

The non-profit organization had been experiencing significant growth in recent years, but with this growth came various challenges. The organization's C-suite was plagued by a toxic work environment, where internal conflicts and finger-pointing had become the norm. Communication channels were fractured, leading to misunderstandings and a lack of strategic cohesion. The Board of Directors recognized the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure the long-term success and impact of the organization.

 

Key Challenges

  1. Toxic Work Environment: The presence of a toxic work environment hindered collaboration and fostered a culture of blame and defensiveness among the leadership team.

  2. Disconnected C-suite: The lack of alignment and cohesive vision among the C-suite executives resulted in conflicting strategies and hindered progress toward the organization's mission.

  3. Lack of Confidence in Intervention: The C-suite expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the proposed intervention, doubting its ability to deliver tangible results and address the deep-rooted issues.

Our approach

We decided to take a data-driven approach to understand the underlying issues and develop a comprehensive intervention strategy. The following steps were taken:

  1. Climate Survey: We conducted a climate survey to assess the prevailing work culture and identify specific pain points within the organization. The survey provided anonymous insights from employees at all levels.

  2. Leadership Disc: Assessments: To understand the individual leadership styles and preferences within the C-suite, each executive participated in Leadership Disc assessments. These assessments provided valuable insights into communication and decision-making styles, helping to identify areas for improvement.

  3. Organization Culture Revitalization: 2-day Strategic Session: The C-suite, participated in a focused and facilitated 2-day strategic session. The session aimed to address the toxic work environment, enhance communication, and develop a clear and coherent strategic plan.

Challenges during the Process

The most significant challenge faced during the intervention was the initial resistance and lack of confidence expressed by some members of the C-suite. They questioned the potential effectiveness of the strategic session and were doubtful about whether it could truly address the deeply ingrained issues within the leadership team.

results

100% SENIOR LEADER PARTICIPATION

Despite the challenges, oUR aPPROACH yielded significant positive results:

  1. Shift in Communication: Following the strategic session, there was a noticeable shift in communication dynamics among the C-suite. Divisiveness and finger-pointing were replaced with a more inclusive and collaborative problem-solving approach.

  2. Coherent Strategic Plan: The 2-day strategic session allowed the C-suite to align their visions and develop a coherent strategic plan. The shared understanding of goals and objectives facilitated better decision-making and improved organizational focus.

  3. Clear Objectives and Action Plan: With a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration, the C-suite worked together to create a clear set of objectives and an action plan to achieve them. This newfound alignment enabled the organization to make tangible progress toward its mission.

Conclusion:

This case study highlights the transformation of a growing non-profit organization suffering from a toxic work environment and a disconnected C-suite. By conducting a climate survey, using Leadership Disc assessments, and hosting a strategic session, the organization successfully revitalized its culture and improved communication, collaboration, and strategic alignment among the C-suite. Our approach not only addressed the immediate challenges but also laid the foundation for sustained growth and positive impact in the future.