Getting Your Bearings

Posted February 7, 2021 by Pam Harris
Definition: To get (one’s) bearings.

To recognize or determine one’s orientation, position, or abilities relative to one’s surroundings or situation. We need to get above the tree line if we’re going to get our bearings and reach the campsite before dark. [www.dictionary.com]

2020 was a year in which it was really hard to get our bearings. In totally unfamiliar territory, we led our organizations through unprecedented challenges. We, along with so many others, remarked constantly that things just kept changing, so that just when we thought we knew what to do and how to do it, everything shifted. We grew tired of the word, “pivot,” because after a while, it seemed like that was all we were doing.

How do we move forward?

2021 offers us a chance to “get our bearings.” Its a good time to figure out where we are, determine where we are headed, and what’s the best course to take. We can build on the strengths we discovered in 2020, and learn from the challenges. There are still not many clear answers, but we can position ourselves so that we are still able to move forward in a productive way.

Based on the need of so many sites to continue to navigate this difficult time, we have designed a short process that focuses on your:

  • Mission
  • Leadership
  • Resources

These are the critical elements you need to successfully navigate the rough waters ahead of us, in a sustainable way that strengthens the organization for the long term.

To help you continue to navigate this time

Here’s the short process that will help you gain your bearings for the year ahead:

  • Answer a short questionnaire, designed to help you reflect on your most significant challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.
  • Financial Review of 2020 operations and 2-3 “normal” years.
  • Two 90 min zoom consulting sessions to explore the areas of greatest concern and potential for your organization.  We suggest one with your entire board/committee/ team, and one of your choosing.  Possibilities include your Director, your judicatory staff person, or a small group focused on a particular topic.
  • One page summary of recommendations, including:
    • Actionable items – what can you do now to strengthen your mission impact and enhance your sustainability?
    • Potential future considerations – in the longer term, what are some things that you may want to pay attention to?
    • Connections to additional resources – links to articles, other people who may have some insight for you, or tools that you can use.

The cost for this process is $600, but if that is prohibitive for you and your ministry, reach out to us! We want to help as many folks as possible find their footing and move forward.

Use our chat or contact form, send us an email, or call us at 315-559-0526. We look forward to talking with you.

Stay safe, and stay connected,

Pam

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