From Paper to Progress: 4 Steps to Actionable Strategy (Rebecca White)

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why do so many strategic plans gather dust instead of driving impact? In episode #320 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit strategist Rebecca White unpacks why well-intentioned plans often fail, and what to do about it. She offers a practical, four-step approach to move strategy from paper to progress: audit your existing plan, define decision filters, align capacity with goals, and build weekly accountability into your implementation. Rebecca also shares how to identify interdependencies, avoid burnout through realistic resource planning, and maintain momentum through continuous monitoring. Whether you lead a small shop or a growing organization, you'll find clear tools to turn lofty goals into manageable actions. Plus, get an insight into her popular capacity calendar and strategy-to-action funnel, frameworks designed to make your planning process more grounded, realistic, and effective.

"If your strategic plan doesn’t help you say no or reflect your actual capacity, it’s just poetry on a shelf."

ABOUT REBECCA

With over two decades of experience leading teams and developing resources in the nonprofit sector, Rebecca White brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges mission-driven organizations face. Now a consultant, Rebecca helps nonprofit organizations effectively action their strategic plan, within currently available resources. A Standards for Excellence© Licensed Consultant through Maryland Nonprofits, Rebecca works to be a catalyst for positive change. Rebecca lives in the Texas Hill Country, serving on two local nonprofit boards. Rebecca enjoys pickleball, hiking, and reading. And is a fierce defender of the Oxford comma.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Check out Rebecca’s resources at The Content Cove
• The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande
• Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman
• Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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