The simple act of reflecting, the simple act of pausing to consider, to reason, can have an impact – Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is brilliant.

I am not telling you something that you do not already know, but his statement is simple and brilliant.

I just entered 2011 with friends in a tiny cabins in the mountains of North Carolina. I plan on relocating to these mountains mid 2011. I wanted to start my year as I mean to end…here in these mountains experiencing the magic of the mountains with people I love. I also spent sometime this evening being reflective..pausing..accessing.

How often does your organization do that? How often do you stop working and reflect….challenge…consider…dissect?

Probably not very often.

Its the end of a decade and the beginning of another — a time to stop, think, contemplate…consider

What does your organization need to do different for a greater impact?  What do you need to do more  or less of to get your mission complete?

Are you still chasing numbers? Are you getting results?

Lets look at your volunteer program as an example.

 The success of any volunteer organization relies on its ability to attract and retain dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. In the past volunteering  has suffered from an emphasis on the quantity of activity rather than the potential impact. One thing about  successful  volunteer experience will never change—it will always need to  be local, concrete, grassroots work.

The typical metrics being number of volunteers and total of hours of service.  to my knowledge, has never articulatedd  the strategic  purpose of volunteers nor measured the social impact of volunteering. While numbers are valuable they ignore the volunteer’s potential for increasing business and social impact. With tailored pre and post service training programs, structured partner relationships, product donation opportunities that leverage assets and expertise of volunteers and motivations that align with corporate strategy you can  have a volunteer force that will help you exponentially move your mission forward.  All  offerings for volunteering should be customer focused, competitive in the context of  other volunteer opportunites and develop volunteers into future leaders of the organization.

Busy does not equal important. Measured doesn’t mean mattered.~Seth Godin

Tell’em Seth.

In early 2011 before  you  become  overwhelmed with all those things on your to-do-lists.  Make   sure you  are clear about whats important to you and your organization.

Use  this new year to create an organization that  leverages the strengths, competencies and possibilities of  existing networks and communities  so you can be the ultimate winner !

Here is wishing you a 2011 filled with strategic alliances,partnerships, success and significance!