How the Foundations for Growth Approach Aligns with Covey's Seven Habits

Explore how the Foundations for Growth (FFG) approach aligns with Stephen Covey’s 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People' to strengthen nonprofit resilience and effectiveness. Discover how FFG helps nonprofits proactively manage risks, prioritize goals, and foster collaboration for lasting impact.

Ted Bilich

This month we have been emphasizing how our Foundations for Growth (FFG) approach aligns seamlessly with Stephen Covey’s "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," providing a comprehensive framework for organizational growth and resilience. This is hardly surprising to me, because I had Covey’s book in mind when developing our FFG engagement. I wanted to develop an intervention that would do for nonprofit organizations what Covey’s habits do for individuals: make them more resilient and effective. Below, I review how the FFG supports each habit.

Be Proactive: Taking Initiative in Risk Management

Covey's first habit, "Be Proactive," emphasizes the importance of taking control and responsibility for one’s actions. FFG embodies this habit by encouraging nonprofits to actively identify and address threats before they become crises and capture and develop opportunities before they pass by. By performing periodic risk inventories, maintaining a risk register, and engaging in a proactive cycle of risk management, organizations can stay ahead of potential challenges and seize new opportunities.

Begin with the End in Mind: Aligning Risk Management with Strategic Goals

"Begin with the End in Mind" focuses on defining clear goals and visions. FFG supports this by helping nonprofits develop a risk management cycle that aligns with their strategic objectives and functions as an ongoing reality check and course-correction mechanism.

Put First Things First: Prioritizing Critical Issues

Covey’s habit of "Put First Things First" is about prioritizing tasks that align with one’s goals. FFG aids nonprofits in this by creating a risk register that lists and prioritizes the most critical threats and opportunities and reinforces accountability for taking action. This ensures that the organization focuses its resources and attention on the most important issues, effectively putting first things first and enhancing operational efficiency.

Think Win-Win: Fostering Collaborative Solutions

"Think Win-Win" promotes mutually beneficial solutions. FFG fosters this habit by encouraging collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders. By engaging team members in the risk management process and considering the needs of donors, beneficiaries, and partners, nonprofits can develop strategies and tactics that create value for all parties involved, fostering a culture of cooperation and shared success.

Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Gathering Comprehensive Insights

FFG emphasizes the importance of gathering comprehensive information and feedback from various sources, aligning with Covey’s habit of understanding before seeking to be understood. By using tools like risk inventories and regular risk check-ins, nonprofits can better understand their environment and stakeholders’ perspectives, leading to more informed and effective decision-making.

Synergize: Promoting Creative Cooperation

"Synergize" is about creative cooperation and teamwork. FFG promotes synergy by integrating risk management into the organization’s culture and daily operations. This collaborative approach ensures that different departments and team members work together to identify and address risks, leading to innovative and effective solutions that enhance organizational resilience.

Sharpen the Saw: Ensuring Continuous Improvement

"Sharpen the Saw" focuses on continuous improvement and self-renewal. FFG aligns with this habit by establishing a continuous risk management cycle that involves regular assessment and improvement. Nonprofits are encouraged to reflect on their processes, learn from their experiences, and make incremental improvements, ensuring ongoing development and resilience.

In sum, Risk Alternatives’ Foundations for Growth approach offers a comprehensive risk management framework that aligns closely with Covey’s "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." By adopting FFG principles, nonprofits can enhance their resilience, achieve their strategic goals, and create a lasting positive impact in their communities.