Who Will We Become

Your organization’s future depends on clarity of purpose.

Years ago, I was part of a nonprofit launched with the best intentions—but little nonprofit experience. We spent most days putting out fires instead of building capacity or advancing the mission. With no plan, good intentions weren’t enough. After two years, the doors closed.

Failure is a powerful teacher.

Since then, I’ve participated in mission trips, volunteered, served on boards, worked as staff and facilitated nonprofit strategic plans. My experience spans time inside over 60 organizations nationwide.

Within five minutes of walking into an organization, I could sense whether it operated from an abundance or scarcity mindset. Whether the organization was thriving, surviving, or close to closing its doors.

All had good intentions.

Not all were growing mission impact.

Leadership in thriving organizations share one defining practice. Their leaders ask a deeper question:

Who will we become?

This isn’t about the next program or initiative. It’s rooted in identity, purpose, and the future leadership is intentionally building.

Ask yourself and your team:

• How did we get here?

• What values and priorities will ground us amid seasons of change?

• What will success look like— in impact, not just in numbers?

• Who must we become to meet the future we envision?

Responses to the questions shape everything: How you allocate resources, how staff, champions, and board align, and how you stay rooted in mission while nourishing those you serve.

A simple exercise, yet it sparks discussion, builds alignment, and creates clarity.

Here’s to clarifying who your organization will become,

Wes Legg

Coach & Strategic Plan Facilitator