Organizing for Leadership Transition
Just like in family businesses there are some common threads for most nonprofits. The challenges are different for organizations that are transitioning from founders to the next generation vs. those that have been in business for some time and have gone through few leadership transitions. Many nonprofits we have come across are still led by their founders. It is difficult for them to let go of their baby and move on. Many such organizations have executive team that is in the same age group as their founders and holding on to their power for a very long time. The layer below them may be good at delivering results but are mainly task focused and not really strategic business oriented individuals. There is high level of respect and admiration for the CEO and leadership team which creates a perception that they are indispensable. Additionally many of these organizations may not have strong financial model. All these factors lead to procrastination when it comes to planning for leadership transition continuity and growth.
Finding a Successor
Some of the challenges faced by nonprofits are similar to any other family business. Loyalty and tenure is valued over competencies and skills to lead into the future. This comes into picture prominently when finding a successor for the CEO especially in deciding internal vs. external candidate. Layer beyond the executive team is mainly task oriented and may lack the business acumen and vision to take the organization into the next phase of growth.
Challenges are similar even for many of the organizations that have lasted beyond the founders. If continuity, sustainability and growth are your goals then here are some stories of nonprofit organizations we worked with…
Additional Clients We’ve Helped
Testimonials
Clear Vision Alliance’s approach at the Round Table meetings both motivates and challenges the group’s perceptions of their businesses and the roles in their business. It provides a clear view to additional points of consideration.
Michael Fleming
The experience and their extensive research Clear Vision Alliance has translates into action plans that prepare businesses for the impact of the global economy, the pace of change, and the trends that impact them. Their unique perspective paves the way for companies to recognize uncertainties before it is too late.
Gail Sherman
Having reached a plateau in our business strategy thinking, we asked Clear Vision Alliance to work with us on our Strategic Planning Process and Executive Leadership Development… They have been instrumental in helping move us to the next level so we can support and lead our organizations future growth.
Jim McCarthy
The coaching that Clear Vision Alliance provided our organization has been invaluable. From leadership development, to conflict resolution, to strategic planning and financial accountability, every person on our team has benefited from their wisdom and expertise.
Brenda VanLengen
At one year’s EANE Executive Roundtable, I discovered I didn’t have the right people in the right jobs. It was not an obvious mismatch. It became apparent through CVA’s expertise in asking questions and facilitating discussions. That discovery alone was worth my time and the price of admission!
Rick Willard
As an individual and professional consultant, Ravi makes himself available, he seeks feedback, and shares from his own learning experiences, making the whole experience rich and real.
Michael Seibold
I always walk away from the monthly roundtables with a fresh perspective and would highly recommend working with CVA if you want to grow as a professional and want to push yourself to greater limits.
Michael Weissbrod
As a potential business leader in the world of architecture, I constantly look for ways to gain perspective and push myself to the next level. The monthly roundtables offer me a unique experience in which I get the benefit of having discussions with other business professionals on a variety of vital topics.
Michael Weissbrod
Clear Vision Alliance has served a vital role in the rapid, controlled growth of our firm, professional development of key staff (including myself), and are instrumental in providing the framework for pending transfer of Ownership.
Michael Weissbrod
“I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity of working with Ravi Kulkarni of Clear Vision Alliance (CVA) for the past three years. CVA has served a vital role in the rapid, controlled growth of our firm, professional development of key staff (including myself), and has been instrumental in providing the framework for pending transfer of Ownership. Of all that they do and are able to offer though, perhaps the most important service that they provide to me is the hosting of monthly roundtable meetings.
As a potential business leader in the world of architecture, I constantly look for ways to gain perspective and push myself to the next level. CVA’s monthly roundtables offer me a unique experience in which I get the benefit of having discussions with other business professionals on a variety of vital topics. Ravi is always able to guide these roundtable discussions through the introduction of tough, thought-provoking issues while providing real-life examples based on years of experience in the industry. With these discussions, I’m able to draw conclusions and translate thought to action which can often have a profound effect on my firm’s health.
I always walk away from the monthly roundtables with a fresh perspective and would highly recommend working with CVA if you want to grow as a professional and want to push yourself to greater limits.”