Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits , by Crutchfield and Grant

Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant studied 2000 different non-profit organizations in order to identify 12 in which they would use to study intensively to determine what makes them the best non-profit organizations in the United States. After much surveying and researching they identified twelve diverse organizations that originated in the US and have achieved sustained results and created larger systems change on a national/international basis. These organizations include: America’s Second Harvest , The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, City Year, Environmental Defense, The Exploratorium, Habitat for Humanity, The Heritage Foundation, National Council of La Raza, Self-Help, Share Our Strength, Teach for America and YouthBuild. These “high impact organizations” were named as such due to their ability to make significant social change due to their ambitious visions. As the book title suggests, Crutchfield and Grant were able to identify 6 specific practices that these non-profits shared and which help contributed to their enormous success. These 6 practices include:
1. Work with government and advocate for policy change
As many of us know, the government is often the first place that requires change and the last place to want/make changes. It is important for non-profits to change the required policies that are detrimental to some individuals on this planet or the environment in which we live in.
2. Harness market forces and see business as a powerful partner
It is essential that non-profits operate similar to a for-profit business in order to build sustainable practices that ensure they can get enough resources to continue operations. As money doesn’t grow on trees, it is important to ensure the organization is being run in an efficient manner which takes into consideration the market and other economic factors.
3. Convert individual supporters into evangelists for the cause
In order to create change you must get people to not only agree with your cause but to support it and live it. You must get people who are enthusiastic and passionate about the organization’s cause in order for them to share the word and convince others to believe in their vision as well.
4. Build and nurture nonprofit networks, treating other groups as allies
5. Adapt to the changing environment
Like any business, one must adapt to the ever changing environment in which the organization operates in. Non-profits must stay current and progressive like any other organization.
6. Share leadership, empowering others to be forces for good
Having a decentralized power structure will help empower employees. A successful non-profit organization shares the power throughout the organization and trusts other people than the “boss” to make decisions. Shared leadership helps individuals be motivated by their work. Everyone at the org must be given something meaningful to do.

This book is very important for global leaders and managers to read as it contains many wonderful tips on how to become a successful business, non-profit or for profit. It is very interesting to note that many successful organizations in the 21st century use a decentralized power structure in order to keep their employees doing meaningful and motivating work, and this often increases productivity. Giving employees room to be creative is essential if a global enterprise is to flourish in the 21st century. Every individual has the capacity to improve the organization in which they work for by their unique talents and abilities.