Using Disciplined Innovation at Nonprofits

A comprehensive overview of how nonprofits can innovate effectively by combining creativity with disciplined processes. By understanding and addressing core needs, fostering consensus, and maintaining a structured approach to innovation, nonprofits can overcome the challenges posed by a scarcity mindset and achieve sustainable growth and impact. Stewart Severino, the Head of Innovation at The Navigators, discusses the concept of "disciplined innovation" in the nonprofit sector. 
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Co-host Julia Patrick opens the conversation by expressing her enthusiasm about discussing disciplined innovation, emphasizing how important it is for nonprofits to balance creativity with structured processes. Stewart shares his background from the for-profit sector to the nonprofit world and highlights the similarities in challenges both sectors face. He notes, “The nonprofit sector is currently grappling with inefficiencies and a scarcity mindset that limits their potential impact.” 

One of the key points Stewart makes is the prevalence of a scarcity mindset among nonprofits, which often leads to a reluctance to take risks. This mindset, he argues, hampers innovation.  Co-host Tony Beall echoes this sentiment, stating, “Nonprofits are not risk takers, and when you think of innovation, you think of the need to be able to take risks in order to test innovation.”, which is a problem for many nonprofits: the fear of failure and the perceived lack of resources to experiment and innovate. 

Stewart also emphasizes the value of understanding the core needs of the target audience. He explains that many nonprofit initiatives fail because they do not accurately identify or agree on the core needs they aim to address. This lack of consensus can lead to wasted resources and ineffective solutions. He puts it this way, saying, “We cannot afford to sustain throwing things against the wall and seeing what sticks. It’s just not a good financial stewardship move.” 

This lively conversation then shifts to practical strategies for fostering disciplined innovation. Stewart suggests a structured approach beginning with some research to identify the core needs, followed by ideation and brainstorming, and finally, testing and refining the developed solutions. This disciplined process ensures that innovations are not only creative but also practical and sustainable. 

This session amplifies on the need for a clear, concise understanding of the organization's mission and the specific needs it aims to meet. Stewart gives us a valuable framework for achieving this consensus, using what he terms a "job statement," which clearly defines the verb, object, and clarifying statement of the organization's mission. This framework helps ensure that all team members are aligned and working towards the same goals.  Watch and learn more!

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