innovation in social sector

 

AUGUST 16, 2011 Tuesday

3 Ways the Social Sector can Innovate

The social sector is not known for innovation. It could be because of limited resources, or because the consequences of failure are so high. Whatever the reason, it’s never too late to start. Here are three ways your social sector organization can take small but meaningful steps toward innovation: Question what you do. Encourage everyone to ask the question: Is there a better way to do this? This creates a culture of evaluation and new ideas. Engage members. Don't leave it up to staff to figure it out alone. Ask donors, board members, and clients to brainstorm with you about how your organization can improve. Partner, partner, partner. Chances are that others in your space are strapped for resources like yourself. There's no reason to be proprietary over innovations. Bring together partners to discuss new ideas and share resources to test them out.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Taking on Failure—and Innovation—in the Social Sector" by Erica Williams.