Nonprofits Are Facing Tough Decisions

Right now, nonprofit leaders are faced with a lot of tough decisions. “How should I speak to my supporters?” “Should I cancel my events or postpone them?” Even, “Is it appropriate to ask people for donations during the crisis?”

In the past weeks, Turnkey’s clients have voiced these and other questions. We’ve seen one thing over and over: Organizations that made quick decisions and took swift action are now way ahead.

Psychologists have studied the decision-making process extensively. You’ve probably heard the expression, "When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice." The eminent psychologist/philosopher William James said this more than 100 years ago. Since then, research has proven that he was spot-on. In fact, there is a whole field of study devoted to the psychology of indecision.

The Roots of Indecision

So what makes people indecisive? Research tells us that indecision is all about avoiding one of these things:

1) the choice between two negative alternatives (one of which has to be adopted)

2) the choice between two fairly equal courses of action

There’s a lot at stake right now for nonprofits. The inability to choose may be tied directly to the fear of making a mistake.

We’ve talked to clients who seem to be frozen in place. The coronavirus crisis is a fast-moving situation. Information seems to change every week. And perhaps worst of all, there is conflicting information out there, making it difficult to make informed choices.

That’s why this is a time when it’s important to rely less on data and more on your gut. Sure, keep an eye on retention rates, revenue and all the other indicators of the health of your organization and how well your supporters are responding; but avoid what some in the business world call “paralysis by analysis.” Instead, take action, look at the results, make adjustments and move on.

One of the first lessons I learned in an executive management course at IBM was “if you don’t make the right decision, you can make the decision right.”

It’s About Your Gut

If you’re a decision-maker in a time of crisis, there is a natural tendency to gather the staff and “hash it out.” We’ve been on a lot of Zoom calls where everyone throws in their two cents about whether to cancel or postpone events, for example. Listening to everything staff has to say is great; coming to a decision by consensus is not.

Your staff is just as bewildered by the shifting sands beneath their feet as you. In the end, you’re the decision-maker because the outcome is your responsibility. Someone — the board, your CEO, whomever — has entrusted you to decide what is right for the organization.

Don’t let the fact that whatever you choose may lead to a negative outcome keep you from taking action. Because for some situations, there may be no positive outcome. Only avoiding the worst from happening. There is no perfectly right decision, just like there is no perfectly wrong decision. This is not a zero-sum game.

In uncertain times, it may be necessary to lead more directly in order to reduce your own, and others’, stress. In Michael Crichton’s autobiography, “Travels,” he writes about his troubles while directing the film “The Great Train Robbery.” There were weeks of frustration with delays caused by his attempts at collaboration with the crew. Finally, the film’s star, Sean Connery, sat him down for a talk.

Connery said, “You know, you don’t do any favors beating about the bush, making us try and deduce what you mean. You think you’re being polite, but you’re actually just difficult. Say what you mean and get on with it.”

Right now, it’s fine to tell staff that you’re going to do XYZ because that’s what your gut is telling you to do. You may feel like you’re outside of your comfort zone, but so does everyone else. No one has ever been through something like this. Get moving, then fix it as you go. Having a plan and being able to work hard at it will bring your stress level down, and your staff’s, too.

Finally, remember that your supporters need you right now. They need to know you’re still working, wisely using the investment they’ve made in your mission with their donations. They need to know they have power through their support of your organization’s work. They need to know they are connected to a larger community, through you.

We end our book, “Dollar Dash, The Behavioral Economics of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising,” with a quote from the Canadian cleric and philosopher Basil King. He wrote, “Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.”

Go forth and conquer.