Enhance your nonprofit’s performance with Gino Wickman’s People Analyzer from "Traction." Learn how this tool helps evaluate alignment with core values, promote transparency, and build a cohesive team for better overall effectiveness.
With nonprofits, ensuring optimal performance while maintaining a harmonious team environment can be challenging. However, a structured approach like Gino Wickman’s People Analyzer, from his book "Traction," offers a powerful tool to enhance team alignment and overall effectiveness. Wickman’s People Analyzer provides a straightforward way to evaluate whether individuals fit the core values of the organization.
Nonprofits often operate on tight budgets with a mission-driven focus, making it essential for team members to embody the organization's core values. As we’ve previously noted, one starts by defining these values. What does your nonprofit stand for? Let’s say integrity, compassion, collaboration, and innovation are among your core values. Once identified, these values become standards by which all team members are evaluated.
Using the People Analyzer, each team member is evaluated on how well they adhere to these values. The evaluation is simple but effective: a "+" indicates the individual meets the expectation, a "-" shows they do not, and a "+/-" means they sometimes meet the expectation. This evaluation should be conducted with input from multiple sources to ensure fairness and accuracy. Regular assessments help keep everyone aligned with the nonprofit's mission and values.
To implement the People Analyzer, introduce the concept to the entire team, explaining its purpose and how it will be used to support personal and organizational growth. Regularly scheduled reviews, such as quarterly evaluations, help maintain momentum and ensure that the process becomes ingrained in the organizational culture. During these reviews, managers should provide constructive feedback, celebrate successes, and create action plans for areas needing improvement.
“The recommended bar for a company with five core values is three pluses, two plus/minuses, and never a minus." (Wickman 86-87). Wickman means that all employees must exhibit some of the organization’s values consistently and others at least some of the time, and no employee should be permitted to undermine any of your values.
The goal is not to penalize employees but to promote a culture of continuous improvement and alignment with the nonprofit’s mission. Those whose conduct is subpar should be coached on how to modify their behavior. If an individual continues to perform poorly or acts contrary to your nonprofit’s values, however, they should be dismissed.
For nonprofits, the People Analyzer offers several significant benefits. It promotes transparency and accountability, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals. By regularly assessing core values and performance, nonprofits can make informed decisions about promotions, training needs, and even difficult decisions like terminations.
Moreover, this process helps in building a strong, cohesive team. When team members understand what is expected and receive regular feedback, they are more likely to feel engaged and committed to their work. This alignment can lead to higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and better overall performance.
In sum, Gino Wickman’s People Analyzer is a powerful tool for nonprofits looking to enhance performance and ensure that their team is aligned with their mission and values. By systematically evaluating core values and key responsibilities, nonprofits can build stronger, more cohesive teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Implementing this tool requires clear communication, regular assessments, and a commitment to transparency, but the benefits far outweigh the effort, leading to a more effective and harmonious organization.
P.S. In addition to core values, the People Analyzer may be expanded to assess whether team members are performing their key responsibilities effectively. For more on that, buy Wickman’s book. You won’t regret that decision.
Risk Alternatives provides training and support for organizations that want to improve their resilience, sustainability, and growth. For more information, email info@riskalts.com or call 608-709-0793.