Boston Nonprofit Leaders Convene to Discuss How to Effectively Manage Strategy In the Face of Unprecedented Challenges

Boston, May 22, 2009 — More than fifty nonprofit executives from the greater Boston area convened last week to discuss the importance of managing strategy in challenging economic times. Hosted by Ascendant Strategy Management Group, a consultancy focused on helping nonprofit and public sector organizations increase their impact, the event focused on the role that executive meetings have in the strategy management process.

Dr. David P. Norton, best-selling author, originator of the Balanced Scorecard concept and founder of Palladium Group, kicked off the working session by putting strategy review meetings in the context of the strategy focused organization. He cited research which shows that fewer than one in ten organizations effectively execute strategy - many simply because they don't invest the time necessary to manage strategy.

Ted Jackson, Managing Partner at Ascendant, then spoke in detail about management meetings and the role they play in managing strategy. He described the typical frequency and purpose of these meetings as well as how to prepare and execute effective management meetings. Most of the organizations in attendance confirmed the research that Dr. Norton cited: They either did not conduct strategy meetings, or they were never able to make decisions during the meetings they did hold.

The conversation was then joined by Marjean Perhot, from Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston. Ms. Perhot explained how their new method of reporting was able to align the field staff with the management team. "The direct line staff 'get it,' and they were happy to help collect data and demonstrate how their work links with the strategy of the organization," said Marjean. "Our board members were able to understand our progress and align their activities and requests to our strategy. Because of our use of the Balanced Scorecard, we have become a 'go-to' agency for the government during this financial crisis."