Resist Cutting Your Ability to Make Income
Article by Karen Eber Davis, April 25, 2020
Resist Cutting Your Ability to Make Income
A newsletter this morning announced a board’s decision to cease operations, including laying off the staff of a local nonprofit. The blurb stood out because the first part of it announced the closing and the second the CEO’s response. The CEO outlined steps already underway to keep the organization going, including seeking stimulus funding.
The nonprofit offers a valuable and unique community service. While government guidelines require their temporary closure, it’s a top candidate to resume operations when “the light turns green.”
Reading the article was maddening. Here is a well-loved community operation possibly going out of existence, even though the CEO had a plan to, at the very least, to keep operating for now. It was a bit like stepping into a restaurant and having a frantic owner tell you no tables are available, while the manager beckons you to sit.
Though sad, the post was chock full wisdom. Here’s what you can learn:
- Work together:
1.) Boards ask your staff for their plan,
2.) CEOs don’t just do your plan, communicate it, and
3.) Do what you can to keep going now. This situation is temporary. - Resist cutting your ability to make income.
- Most important, calm down and think.
1.) Think,
2.) Innovate,
3.) Create a post-Covid-19 vision, and
4.) Communicate where you’re going.
Take a deep breath, especially now. You have time to do this right.