Engaging your Team through Purpose, Alignment, and Delivering What Matters
Are you a leader, team member or Trustee in purpose-driven organisation? You might be involved with a charity, nonprofit, voluntary sector or community service organisation.
This blog is about maximising your impact by ensuring everyone is engaged, aligned, and focused on what really matters to your clients or service users.
Many of you are already a step ahead. People don't typically join these types of organisations for financial gain. They're driven by a strong belief in your mission. But how do you build on that existing passion to create an even more effective and impactful team?
Defining Your Purpose
Begin by revisiting your fundamental reason for existing.
Ask yourselves:
• Why are we together as an organisation?
• What’s our core purpose?
Most organisations have a high-level statement outlining their purpose. Discuss this statement as a team. Encourage everyone to contribute their understanding of why the organisation exists and the services it provides to the community. This ensures everyone is on the same page and feels connected to the overarching mission.
Understanding Your Clients' Needs
Next, shift your focus to the people you serve. These are your customers, clients, or service users.
Ask:
• What do our clients or service users really want and expect from us?
It’s likely that you have a good understanding already, but it's worth exploring in more detail.
Consider these methods:
• Ask them directly. Conduct simple surveys or hold focus groups to gather feedback on their expectations, desired service levels, and delivery preferences.
• Analyse existing data. Review past feedback, complaints, and testimonials to identify recurring themes and areas for improvement.
Identifying Key Deliverables and Challenges
Now, translate those client needs into actionable goals.
Determine:
• What are the main things we have to deliver as an organisation?
• What challenges do we need to overcome to achieve this?
Be realistic about the challenges you face, whether they're funding constraints, outreach limitations, or other barriers. Brainstorm solutions as a team.
Adapting to Change
It's crucial to regularly review your deliverables and challenges. The environment you operate in may have changed since your organisation was set up.
Consider:
• Have our services or offerings changed?
• Has the pandemic or other external factors influenced our work and how we deliver it?
• What do we need to do differently to stay relevant and effective?
Defining Individual Tasks
Finally, break down the main deliverables into individual tasks.
Ask each team member:
• What specific tasks do I need to do to contribute to these goals, overcome challenges, and provide excellent service?
Clearly defined tasks ensure accountability and empower individuals to take ownership of their roles.
Final thought
By having these discussions regularly, you can foster a stronger sense of purpose, alignment, and engagement within your team. This will lead to a more effective service delivery and a greater impact on the people you serve.
If you need some help, get in touch to talk about how I could work with you to make this happen.
These observations, experiences and lessons are taken from my Exceptional Team Blueprint™ book which is available on Amazon here.
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