I’m currently working on a project that involves interviewing every staff member at a pretty large nonprofit. I’m always amazed at how much people tell me about things, but the thing that amazes me more is that no matter how much people have to complain about, they almost always remain dedicated to their work and the organization.
When someone has finished a litany of complaints–anything from not being paid enough or not liking their supervisor to feeling at risk because of the economy or having insufficient technology–I ask them: “What keeps you here?” or “Why do you stay?”
“The mission.” That’s almost always the answer. Or some variation. “I love what we do here.” “The work is so important.” “We make such a big difference.”
The mission is the super glue that holds an organization together. It keeps people there despite frustrations. It keeps people together, working united for a cause.
A strong mission is better than superglue. Craft a good one and it’ll stick around for a long time. And it’ll help your staff stick around, too.
Filed under: Miscellaneous, Planning
Greenlights
Tara Kirkland
Ann Starr
Kim Wilson
Tara Levy
Matt Kouri
Taylor Overstreet
Haila Yates
