I recently worked with a nonprofit theater company to find ways to increase its revenue. The assignment was through a parent volunteer organization. There were a slew of rules dictated by that organization, mostly leading to lots of pre-printed worksheets.

This is a longstanding theatrical outfit that’s doing fine, but outside the current audience and tiny board, there is little chatter. That was the issue.

Even the mission statement only described their activities. It did not define their goals.

The best project would have been to aim higher, enhance internal branding, and take steps to build a fan base (instead of audience).  But that advice wasn’t allowed.

It’s too bad.  Each nonprofit is unique.  Leaders are too often drawn to uninspired project management tools because they’re easy, and obviously worked at some time for some company somewhere.