Put First Things First – Prioritizing for Nonprofit Success

In the nonprofit sector, where resources are often limited, prioritizing tasks and initiatives is crucial. "Put First Things First," another of Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” teaches us to focus on what truly matters. For nonprofits, this means prioritizing actions that align with their mission and have the most significant impact. Risk Alternatives’ Foundations for Growth (FFG) approach provides a structured framework to help nonprofits implement this habit.

The Need for Prioritization

Nonprofits face numerous challenges and demands on their time and resources. Without effective prioritization, organizations may find themselves overwhelmed and unable to achieve their goals. "Put First Things First" emphasizes the importance of focusing on activities that are both important and urgent, ensuring that critical tasks are addressed promptly while strategic initiatives are pursued.

How FFG Facilitates Prioritization

The FFG approach helps nonprofits prioritize issues. The FFG starts with a risk inventory, in which participants identify risks in every functional area of the nonprofit. Then it focuses on prioritization of those risks. One cannot do everything at once, so a nonprofit must pay attention to those threats that put mission most at risk and those opportunities that would provide the best return on effort.

Participants collect the top issues in a risk register, which lists and ranks the most critical issues facing the nonprofit based on their potential impact and likelihood, assigns internal “champions” to address those risks, determines the next step in response to a threat or opportunity, and provides an accountability tool to track progress. By maintaining a dynamic and updated risk register, nonprofits can ensure that their attention and resources are focused on the most important areas, enhancing their overall effectiveness.

Furthermore, the FFG trains nonprofits to engage in a cycle of prioritization, instead of remaining static in the face of change. By cycling through the process of identifying risks, prioritizing them, addressing the most pressing issues, assessing progress, and then repeating that cycle periodically, nonprofits avoid the worst possible risk management strategy, which would be standing still in the face of a constantly changing world.

Benefits of Putting First Things First

1. Improved Focus: Prioritizing tasks helps nonprofits stay focused on their mission and avoid distractions. This ensures that critical activities receive the attention they deserve.
2. Efficient Resource Allocation: By focusing on high-priority tasks, nonprofits can allocate resources more efficiently, maximizing their impact.
3. Reduced Stress: Effective prioritization reduces the stress and chaos associated with managing multiple tasks. It provides a clear roadmap for action, helping teams work more effectively.
4. Enhanced Accountability: Prioritizing tasks ensures that everyone in the organization understands their responsibilities and deadlines, fostering a culture of accountability.
5. Dynamic Attention: Priorities change as nonprofits achieve objectives, reduce threats, and identify new opportunities. Using the risk cycle, nonprofits applying the FFG process are on the alert to new threats and new opportunities, as well as how high-priority items might shift as the nonprofit takes measures to respond to issues.

Conclusion

"Put First Things First" is an essential habit for nonprofit success. By adopting the Foundations for Growth approach, nonprofits can implement effective prioritization strategies, ensuring that their efforts are focused on the most critical areas. Embrace this habit, and watch your nonprofit achieve its mission more efficiently and effectively.