This February, EPIP is highlighting the Measuring a Leader Strategic and Analytical Skills.

Social change leaders:

• Anticipate future needs and trends
• Create competitive strategies and plans
• Think broadly when analyzing an issue or presented with a challenge

And can be demonstrated by…

• Writing on future trends in philanthropy or issues of interest
• Sharing examples of strategic plans they have created at work or in their volunteerism
• Highlighting a list of publications they regularly read on issues impacting the field

Here are a few resources that can help strengthen your Strategic and Analytical skills. What are some of your favorite tools and resources? How would you describe what Strategic and Analytical skills look like? Share them in the comments section!

Resources

Anticipating Future Needs and Trends

• Philanthropy and the Social Economy: Blueprint 2015 from GrantCraft/Lucy Bernholz Presented by GrantCraft and written by leading philanthropy scholar Lucy Bernholz, the Blueprint provides an overview of the current landscape, points to major trends, and directs your attention to horizons where you can expect some important breakthroughs in the coming year.

Creating Competitive Strategies and Plans

• Summary of the Strategic Planning Process from National Community Development Institute
• Visualizing the Business Model: The Matrix Map from Spectrum Nonprofit Services The Matrix Map is a visual representation of your organization’s business model, with every activity mapped on both mission impact and financial profitability.
• Logic Model Development Guide from W.K. Kellogg Foundation A logic model will help you define, plan, and communicate your organization’s program objectives and accomplishments. It depicts how your organization does its work and links outcomes to activities and objectives.

Thinking Broadly When Analyzing an Issue or Presented with a Challenge

• Detail-Oriented Leaders: How to See the Big Picture As you pursue more advanced professional opportunities, your ability to see the big picture becomes more important.

Examples EPIP Members Demonstrating these Skills

• EPIP-LA member Shauna Nep wrote about new tools and platforms that grantmakers can use to increase their transparency, inclusion, and collaboration with different stakeholders.
• Some EPIP chapters have gone through strategic planning processes in the last few years. Contact Program Manager Christen Lee ([email protected]) if you want more information.
• EPIP webinars provide another opportunity to learn and share about future trends and changes in the philanthropic landscape.

EPIP Leaders Talk About How They’re Practicing Strategic and Analytical Skills