Daniel Stid and Jeff Bradach

Nonprofits are under increasing pressure to step up their management capabilities. Yet for many nonprofit leaders, doing so can be very difficult. What are the keys to making a successful transition to stronger management?

Bridgespan discussed this topic with a number of nonprofit leaders who have made the journey. Their comments, coupled with our experiences working with nonprofit clients grappling with the same issues, suggest that organizations first need to answer two key questions explicitly: “What impact are we prepared to be held accountable for?” and “What do we need to do—and not do—in order to achieve this impact?”

Informed by the answers, leaders can then establish more meaningful metrics with which to assess progress. They can also more effectively assemble a balanced team at the top.

The final step is engaging the organization to adapt these changes in ways that are consistent with—and animated by—the overall vision.