Feeling the Bounce?

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche observed, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." - but that's little comfort to those left surveying a landscape already overflowing with the casulties of this economic bust.

Economists and TV pundits are making daily sport out of looking for signs of the turning point. But let's face it - the "bounce" isn't a singular event. We are all riders on a very long rollar coaster car. Those at the front of the car may already feel the upswing - but there are still alot of people further back who haven't yet made it all the way down - and nobody knows just how long IS our roller coaster car! So it's important that we not be deaf to the screaming that is still coming from the back of the ride.

Still, I believe in the bounce. I believe that brighter days and great opportunities still lie ahead. And I especially believe that creativity, collaboration and necessity - the hallmarks of the non-profit sector - are powerful motivators for innovation.

For sure, non-profit organizations everwhere have "circled the wagons". Individually, each must curtail expenses and shore up revenue. It's hard to blame an organization's management (or its Board of Directors) from looking inward for ways to weather this storm.

But this is also a time for planning, for study, for deep thinking and for candid dialogue. The only thing that is depressed should be our economy. Now is the PERFECT time to cultivate ideas and collaborations that can drive organizations forward.

The bounce isn't something to wait for. The bounce is the action you take when you seize control of your future and you say, "It's time to think about new opportunities."

What is YOUR organization doing to invest itself in the future?

 

Matt Lehrman
August 30, 2009

 

 

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