I love spring in North Carolina. The cold of winter has (for the most part) receded, making way for longer days, fresh tree growth, and a dazzling display of spring flowers. The season brings a special energy and sense of renewal. Leo Tolstoy, the author of War and Peace, said, “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” I agree. Just this morning I made a list of all the “house projects” I hope to accomplish this weekend.

Spring is also a great time for organizations to review, refresh, or re-focus plans and projects. Consider these questions:

• Are you using your strategic plan – which should be a living document – to drive the organization’s work?
• Is your staff on track to meet their development goals?
• Have you updated your succession plan in the last year?
• Are you meeting resource development goals? If not, what adjustments can be made?
• Are job descriptions current? Is it time to do a compensation study to benchmark salaries?
• Are current programs still relevant? Are new or different programs needed?
• Have you thanked your volunteers lately?
• What opportunities have arisen in the last year that should be pursued?

Yes, your calendar is full of meetings. And, yes, you already have a ton on your plate. But if the items above are not a priority, then perhaps priorities need to be re-arranged. As one friend so eloquently stated when we were discussing this topic, “Saying no to something now is saying yes to the future.”

Spring is a great time to set yourself and your organization up for future success. What will you do to spring forward?

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