Confusion Starts with Poor Communication

Everyone hears only what they understand. -Goethe

Poor communication in nonprofits can lead to misunderstandings, inefficiencies, and disengagement among staff and Champions. It often presents itself as

• unclear messaging

• siloed departments that fail to collaborate effectively

• lack of transparency

• weak fundraising

  
  

Strategies to Improve Internal Communication

1. Align Culture Around the Vision – Establish a clear vision that aligns departments, leaders, staff, and Champions on the path leading toward the mission.

2. Clearly Define Roles and Responsibilities of Board & Staff – Accountability ensures resources are mission focused.

3. Over-Communicate Clarity – open meetings of all levels with why we exist. Leaders should continually remind everyone…

   1. Why we exist

   2. How we behave

   3. What we do

   4. How will we succeed

   5. What is important now

   6. Who must do what

4. Lead with Humility, Empathy, and Transparency – Open and honest communication fosters trust and engagement. Encourage feedback and open dialogue, Create spaces for staff and champions to voice concerns and ideas.

5. Host Regular Cross-Department Meetings – Encourage collaboration and information sharing across teams – top down, bottom up, and horizontally.

Strategies to Improve External Communication

1. Use Clear Simple Messages that explain how you help people survive & thrive. Invite Champions into a story where;

   1. Your Champion is the Hero with a problem.

   2. You are the Guide with a solution to there problem.

   3. Call the Hero to take action.

2. Use StoryBrand Messaging – on your website, emails and social media. Add short 3 to 10 minute YouTube videos. 

3. Share Impactful Narratives - engage existing Champions and connect new Champions to the vision.

4. Keep your website up-to-date - It is the first place people inspect. Champions are turned off if the site still calls them to sign up for last year’s fundraiser.

What advantage is investing in getting everyone on the same page?

To creating clarity,

Wes Legg

Coach & Facilitator