Case Study: How a Nonprofit Transformed Their Vision into Action
A nonprofit organization was struggling with a challenge that had persisted for years—defining a clear vision statement to guide its future. Despite being a frequent agenda item at board meetings, the task felt overwhelming, leading to repeated delays. The executive director and board members recognized the need for strategic clarity and sought external expertise to move forward effectively.
The Challenge:
Overcoming Roadblocks to Strategic Direction
The organization faced multiple obstacles preventing progress:
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Unresolved Vision Statement – For four years, the board had been unable to finalize a guiding vision statement, creating uncertainty about the organization’s direction.
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Lack of Strategic Planning – The organization had not conducted a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis in over a decade, leading to a reactive rather than proactive approach.
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Operational Overload – Leadership was struggling to balance day-to-day responsibilities with the need for long-term strategic planning.
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Staffing Constraints – A core issue impacting progress was insufficient staffing, which had not been fully recognized as the root cause of operational challenges.
Without intervention, the organization risked continued delays in decision-making and declining morale among leadership.
The Solution:
A Structured Approach to Clarity and Action
Enter Amanda McKeen and Clear View Advantage.
Amanda led a multi-step strategic intervention designed to uncover root issues, align leadership, and establish a clear roadmap for the future:
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Initial Diagnostic Survey – Amanda distributed a survey to board members and staff to gauge perceptions of the organization’s mission, strengths, and challenges. Nearly 100% participation provided valuable insights.
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SWOT Analysis Preparation – A second survey gathered specific input on organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, ensuring the upcoming strategy session was data-driven.
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One-on-One Leadership Consultation – Prior to the strategy session, Amanda held an in-depth discussion with the executive director, identifying key challenges and opportunities for transformation.
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Facilitated Strategy Session – Amanda led a half-day strategic planning workshop with board members, presenting survey findings and guiding discussions to surface underlying issues and define priorities.
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Roadmap Development – At the conclusion of the session, Amanda provided a structured 2025 roadmap detailing immediate actions, ownership, and timelines to address staffing constraints and operational inefficiencies.
The Results:
Breakthrough Progress and Renewed Momentum
Amanda’s intervention produced measurable, immediate outcomes:
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Vision Statement Finalized – After four years of uncertainty, the board unanimously approved a new vision statement at their next meeting.
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Clarity on Core Issues – The team identified understaffing as the root cause of many organizational challenges, enabling targeted solutions.
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Actionable 30-Day and 2025 Plan – A step-by-step implementation plan was developed, specifying who would take which actions by when.
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Board Engagement and Alignment – Board members reported a renewed sense of energy and commitment, stepping up to take on new responsibilities.
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Sustainable Governance – The board president found relief in having a structured roadmap, ensuring accountability and strategic focus moving forward.
Client Feedback:
A Shift from Overwhelm to Optimism
Participants expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the process:
"I think this has been stuff that we've been trying to do and trying to put forward, but it's just been overwhelming. You're trying to keep the ship going while building another ship at the same time. I think we've made really good progress and are laying a strong foundation for the future."
"Today has been tremendously encouraging and fun. It felt like a team-building exercise. It’s been so many years, and while I love what I do, a lot has been hard. But now, I feel hopeful moving forward."
"We've made a leap forward today. We’ve identified priorities and have a plan in place. We’ve uncovered things we hadn’t talked about before."
"I felt really encouraged. From an outside perspective, it just seems like a couple of tweaks and organizational shifts, and I see it all falling into place."
"Teamwork. This has been great teamwork. It reinforced how important volunteers are to the whole organization."
The Takeaway:
Turning Vision into Reality
This case study illustrates the power of structured facilitation, clear strategic planning, and actionable insights. By creating alignment and guiding the organization through critical decision-making processes, Amanda McKeen and Clear View Advantage helped an overwhelmed leadership team transform their vision into a concrete, achievable plan.
