Mission Control: How Nonprofits and Governments Can Focus, Achieve More, and Change the World

Why do some nonprofits change the world while others just muddle along? Focus, says leadership consultant Downey, who works with organizations of all sizes. Successful organizations have the tight focus to achieve singular goals, she writes, instead of trying to be all things to all people; they've discovered the overlap between their skill-sets and their clients' needs. However, mission creep too often dilutes the impact of nonprofits. Downey advises her audience of social-sector leaders against missions that are too broad and breaks down strategies by which readers can understand their own organizations, identify what works, and plan their paths. First, organizations need to figure out whether they're ready to make significant change. Then they can prepare teams, working within the existing hierarchy to ensure that decision-makers have the autonomy and resources to develop good ideas. Readers will find this book an invaluable guide to identifying their options and setting goals; Downey has created the ultimate get-a-move-on guide for nonprofits that are trying to do too much and accomplishing too little as a result. (May)