There is often an invisible, yet palpable, energy that many organizations experience when a crisis strikes. Although the novel coronavirus outbreak is one example, challenges can affect a nonprofit at any time in the form of a sponsor eliminating its funding, a public relations crisis or other unforeseen circumstances.

Typically, many organizations don’t have the time or resources to fully evaluate their mission, operations or initiatives until a tough situation arises. While this time may be difficult to navigate, there are often many valuable lessons that can provide a road map to lead an organization to even stronger results once a challenging time has passed.

This method of pivoting can be applied to other nonprofits as well. Organizations that work backward from their goals by empowering and encouraging creative problem-solving may reach objectives more efficiently and perhaps even quicker. Here are a few considerations that have provided beneficial outcomes while pivoting through challenging circumstances throughout my career.

  1. Evaluate core functions. 
  2. Listen (more) closely.
  3. Drive optimal results through training.

When your organization experiences unsettling times, don't let it paralyze you. Leverage that moment to pivot and accomplish tasks that will only strengthen and solidify your position within your industry. After all, the quicker you are to adapt and respond to challenges, the sooner you’ll thrive again.

Read the full article about how organizations can pivot by Dan Mantz at Forbes.