We partnered with the new managing director of a non-profit organization to help reinvent the organization. It lacked purpose, vision, and clear direction. Based on its trajectory, many questioned whether the organization had a viable future. However, the managing director deeply cared about the organization and its people and was committed to taking the actions necessary to move it forward.

We guided the leadership teams through the four-phase process outlined below.

We worked with directors and employees throughout the organization to conduct a comprehensive assessment. Together, we concluded that the organization:

• Lacked purpose, vision, and clear direction
• Did not clearly understand its target audiences
• Had many frustrated and dissatisfied customers
• Offered low-performing products and services
• Relied on unwieldy processes and archaic technology
• Had not prioritized career development, resulting in disengaged employees

As leaders and employees researched and visited high-performing organizations, they became energized by new ideas and possibilities. The organization had operated in a highly insular manner for many years, and this experience significantly broadened perspectives and increased excitement about the future.

We worked with leaders and employees to identify, explore, and evaluate multiple future possibilities and strategic alternatives. A compelling vision was established, and the desired culture and values were clearly defined. Strategy and detailed implementation plans were developed. Products and services were redesigned based on a deep understanding of audience needs. Processes, technology, organizational structures, roles and responsibilities, leadership practices, people systems, and measurement approaches were carefully redesigned to optimize performance and impact.

Because employees throughout the organization had been deeply involved in the transformation process, they were prepared, aligned, and motivated to bring the new vision and plans to life.

The transformation laid the foundation for several-fold improvements across the organization. Today, the organization has a broad global reach and positively impacts millions of people worldwide. It has:

• Published numerous best-selling historical works
• Developed a major historical museum that has become one of the state’s leading attractions
• Modernized historical sites throughout the world
• Built world-class library and research systems used internationally
• Co-sponsored major events involving thousands of participants
• Created a culture of professional excellence, collaboration, and deep respect for others

Today, the organization attracts top talent from around the world.