Is Bigger Always Better?

Rethinking Growth: Prioritizing Impact in Mission-Driven Organizations

In the United States, the organizational adage “bigger is better" reigns supreme still today. But what if we told you that size isn't everything? Beyond the Growth Myth lies a realm where impact takes precedence over scale. 

In this paradigm shift, organizations maximize their influence and effectiveness rather than simply expand their reach. As organizations like Meta are owning up to the growth-at-all-costs strategy is destroying our social fabric and mission-driven nonprofits are grinding themselves into the ground trying to expand services without appropriate funding, it’s more important than ever to rethink our growth strategy.

But first, why is this so hard?  Because the allure of growth is undeniable. Growth means amassing power, resources, and even impact.  Being the biggest kid on the football field means something; unfortunately, our lizard brains think this is true in adulthood.

However, the relentless pursuit of expansion can overshadow our core mission. When organizations prioritize scale over impact, they risk diluting their effectiveness and straying from their original purpose. This "bigger is better" mentality can result in unsustainable practices and a disconnect from the communities they serve.

The biggest victim tends to be staff.  Individuals are stretched too thin, and turnover increases.  This turnover makes it more difficult for team members to achieve their organizational goals, and the problem worsens.  What’s a leader to you?

Enter mission-driven growth. This strategic approach emphasizes the importance of expanding services & products and achieving measurable outcomes that directly align with the organization's mission. By focusing on impact rather than scale, nonprofits and for-profit entities alike can ensure that every effort contributes meaningfully to their overarching goals.

But how can leaders ensure they're on the right track? Utilizing impact measurement tools is key. By tracking progress toward their goals, organizations can assess the effectiveness of their initiatives and make data-driven decisions. This not only helps them stay accountable to their stakeholders but also enables continuous improvement and adaptation.  Simple project management tools, like Monday.com, can make it easy for teams to see if they are moving closer to their goals.  And when properly implemented, Objectives and Key Results can ensure everyone remains focused on the big picture.

Of course, first, people must decide on goals that align with their mission. Strategic planning is, therefore, another crucial component of this paradigm shift. Rather than chasing short-term growth metrics, leadership should develop clear and comprehensive plans that prioritize long-term impact. When short-term growth threatens to pull energy away, leadership can return to these plans and this rationale to help stakeholders - like a board of directors - stay the course. By setting achievable goals and outlining actionable steps, organizations can chart a course toward sustainable growth while staying true to their mission.

It's time for mission-driven entities to break free from the shackles of the Growth Myth and embrace a new era of impact-driven strategies. By prioritizing mission-aligned growth and leveraging tools like impact measurement and a healthy strategic planning methodology, organizations can maximize their influence and effectiveness. Charity:Water did just that: while many international NGOs shift their focus to encompass multiple service areas, Scott Harrison has kept the nonprofit strictly focused on delivering clean water throughout the world.  This has allowed the company to rally support and communicate clear, simple goals.  And in doing so, they have helped more than 18,000,000 people in 29 countries access clean water.

And for those seeking guidance on this transformative journey, partnering with The Collaborative Collective, an impact consulting firm dedicated to scaling solutions for small to mid-size mission-driven organizations, can provide the expertise and support needed to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of social change. Together, let's redefine success, amplify our impact, and create a brighter future for all.