The New Normal. I do not like that phrase. To me, it's a little bit of a cop out to avoid the bolder statement: Change or Die. This phrase hit home to me via author Alan Deutschman in his book Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and In Life. I don't agree with everything he says nor all his methods. But I am willing to learn from his hypothesis that we need to change our behaviors to deal with the realities of our situation (at least that's what I think he said).
Let's look at the reality of our life in the nonprofit and government world. We are facing a future that has less funding and no let up in demand for our services. I've been saying that via my writing to you for the last 2 weeks. We need to accept that this will happen. We do not need to fear it. We can work to influence it.
Influence can come in many forms. We can use our associations and national leadership to make the decision makers aware of the consequences that funding cuts bring. We can also do the same for the people we serve. We don't know what impact this will have on the outcomes.
We can also use our influence to focus on our behaviors and the behaviors of those in our organizations. This can have a huge and immediate impact. I've had many calls these last 2 weeks where people express panic and a feeling of helplessness. I've also had a few calls that have focused on "here's some thoughts I have on how we will continue to serve and achieve our mission..."
I don't have any magic answers. I think you, the people in your organization, and your communities do. Ask your people, your board and your communities to help. At the same time avoid imposing solutions. This is not the time for quiet leadership meetings. People in your organization know that this is going on and leadership meetings are likely to breed the panic you are trying to avoid. This is a time for engagement.
Today is looking different and the future will look different. Use your influence to help your organization to change its behavior and brainstorm opportunities for the future. Alternatively, your organization can die.