Phase 5

Capacity Building & Scaling For Growth

Chapter last updated  
March 27, 2024
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In this chapter

Overview

Organizational growth can be a positive force for both the individuals and communities served, provided that the organization is adequately prepared. Capacity building begins with a thorough evaluation of existing programs to ensure their excellence and alignment with desired outcomes. Scaling for growth can take various forms, such as increasing personnel to enhance productivity, expanding to new communities, or introducing new programs that align with the organization's mission.

Achieving growth requires careful consideration of the necessary skill set for the next phase. Characteristics such as a growth mindset, work integrity, passion for the mission, emotional intelligence, and specific skills should be examined. Hiring new staff or providing additional training to existing employees may be essential to prepare for growth or maintain excellence. Major transitions are hard. It is crucial to evaluate systems and technology to support expanded operations.

To assess organizational readiness for growth, seeking the expertise of a consultant or a business leader experienced in growth is often prudent. Their outsider's perspective can provide valuable insights. Involving the board in the evaluation process ensures alignment with the mission and financial capacity. Sometimes for growth the organization may need to rebrand to reflect their work more accurately. For organizations that are effective in achieving their outcomes, growth represents a genuine opportunity to make a greater impact and enhance the lives of their clients.

Leader’s Wisdom

Strategic Foundations for Organizational Growth

Before embarking on any scaling or expansion endeavors into new areas, it is imperative to ensure the proven strength of your core program(s) and the viability of the underlying concept. Similar to the gradual yet robust growth of an oak tree, the principle of "slow growth is strong growth" applies. This measured approach fosters a sturdy foundation for sustainable development. Investing in an outside consultant becomes a strategic move, bringing fresh perspectives and leveraging valuable experience to guide the organization's scaling efforts. Their insight can prove instrumental in navigating the complexities of growth and laying the groundwork for a successful and resilient expansion strategy.

Resources

Podcast

Articles

Books

  • The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations by James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner
  • Predictable Success: Getting Your Organization on the Growth Track--and Keeping It There by Les McKeown
  • The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Revised and Updated: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey & Jim Huling
  • The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell 
  • The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It (Part of: E-myth 5 books) by Michael E. Gerber
  • First, Break All The Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently by Jim Harter, Marcus Buckingham, and Gallup Organization
  • Master Your Focus: A Practical Guide to Stop Chasing the Next Thing and Focus on What Matters Until It's Done by Thibaut Meurisse 
  • Mastering the Rockefeller Habits: What You Must Do to Increase the Value of Your Growing Firm by Verne Harnish
About the Creator

Dr. Susan K. Hewitt, Ed.D.

Susan is a seasoned Christian ministry leader with more than twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has successfully launched three nonprofit organizations and contributed her expertise to over a dozen nonprofit boards. Proficient in finance, Christian ministry, and leadership, Susan holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Christian Ministry.

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Phase 5

Taking In The View

Chapter 17

Capacity Building & Scaling for Growth

Organizational expansion holds the potential to positively impact both clients and served communities, provided the organization is adequately prepared...

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Chapter 17

Capacity Building & Scaling For Growth

Capacity Building & Scaling For Growth

Organizational expansion holds the potential to positively impact both clients and served communities, provided the organization is adequately prepared...
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Chapter 18

Personal Growth in Education & Excellence

Organizational and staff growth is closely intertwined with the development of effective leadership. Pursuing higher education classes or certifications...

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Chapter 18

Personal Growth - Education

Personal Growth - Education

Organizational and staff growth is closely intertwined with the development of effective leadership. Pursuing higher education classes or certifications...
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Chapter 19

Closing, Downsizing or Relaunching a Nonprofit

Organizations undergo a life cycle akin to that of individuals. There's a season of inception, one of growth, and another for deliberate deceleration or closure...

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Chapter 19

Closing, Downsizing Or Relaunching A NP

Closing, Downsizing Or Relaunching A NP

Organizations undergo a life cycle akin to that of individuals. There's a season of inception, one of growth, and another for deliberate deceleration or closure...
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Chapter 20

Ministry Blueprints (Future)

This chapter will showcase diverse ministry models from successful nonprofits that generously shared their program blueprints and business plans for the benefit...

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Chapter 20

Ministry Blueprints (Future)

Ministry Blueprints (Future)

This chapter will showcase diverse ministry models from successful nonprofits that generously shared their program blueprints and business plans for the benefit...
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