An Organizational Check-Up

As I am coming to terms with coming down with some sinus unpleasantness just as I am recovering from a stomach bug, health and wellness are on my mind. Particularly, how I would like both of those quite a bit.

Whether you feel like your organization is in tip-top shape or experiencing a bout of sickness, an organizational check-up may be just what the doctor ordered.

In the Greenlights’ doctor’s bag of tricks is an impressive instrument called the Diagnostic. Easier to pronounce than otoscope and easier to interpret than a blood pressure reading, the Diagnostic reviews 12 key areas of a nonprofit and makes recommendations for improving those that are in good health and ailing.

But a 2-month, 12-area review is not well-suited for the blogosphere, so here are a few questions to ask yourself to conduct a quick organizational check-up:

• Have we reviewed our mission and vision within the last 5 years?
• Are we doing what we are best at, what our constituents need most, and in the best way we can?
• Do we have the resources to accomplish our goals?
• Do our staff and board have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, boundaries, and timelines?
• Are we excited about our work and mission?

If you are unsure about or uncomfortable with the answers to any of those questions, it might be time to see the doctor.