Competing Values Non-Profit Individual Assessment

Welcome to the Competing Values
non-profit assessment

1. Desired Purposes

Outcomes, or the value your organization intends to create

Your Team or Unit. While taking this section of the assessment think about the team (or organizational unit) that you lead or belong to right now.

My team (or unit) needs to define success as...

the training and development of employees, volunteers and board members, and creating a collaborative culture of learning.

making the organization more flexible and adaptable to change.

reducing the time it takes to make decisions and implement new programs.

making the right decisions, based upon sound and carefully scrutinized data.

My team (or unit) needs to define success as...

building positive morale among our employees, volunteers and board members.

visualizing future customer expectations.

exceeding funder and stakeholder expectations.

making sure everyone has access to accurate information.

My team (or unit) needs to define success as...

the development of effective teams.

developing innovative products, services or programs.

increasing our endowment, fundraising or earned revenues.

improving the quality and reliability of our products, services or programs.

My team (or unit) needs to define success as...

building collaborative relationships to achieve the organization's mission.

transforming the way the society thinks and behaves about an important issue.

building a name/ brand that is recognized within our industry.

standardizing our procedures.

My team (or unit) needs to define success as...

recruiting and retaining top quality employees, volunteers and board members.

effecting dramatic changes to improve our community.

the results/impact from our innovations, whether we achieve the mission's objectives.

our reduction in redundancy and waste, increasing efficiency and productivity.

My team (or unit) needs to define success as...

creating a caring environment where employees and volunteers support each other in their work and personal lives.

fostering an environment where experimentation and inventiveness are rewarded.

setting and achieving ambitious and impactful goals.

implementing structures of accountability.

2. Current Practices

Culture, competencies and processes of the organization

Your Team or Unit. While taking this section of the assessment think about the team (or organizational unit) that you lead or belong to right now.

Dominant Characteristics

The organization is a very personal place. It is like an extended family. People seem to share a lot of themselves.

The organization is a very dynamic and entrepreneurial place. People are willing to stick their necks out and take risks. Resources can be quickly reallocated to meet a need.

The organization is very results oriented. A major concern is with getting the job done. People closely assess the impact of our product and services upon our mission.

The organization is a very controlled and structured place. Formal procedures generally govern what people do. Reporting is a prominent activity.

Organizational Leadership

The leadership in the organization is generally considered to exemplify mentoring, facilitating, or nurturing.

The leadership in the organization has a clear vision for the future and willing to challenge the status quo.

The leadership in the organization is generally considered to exemplify an aggressive, results-oriented, no-nonsense focus.

The leadership in the organization is generally considered to exemplify coordinating, organizing, or smooth-running efficiency.

Management of Employees

The management style in the organization is characterized by teamwork, consensus and participation.

The management style in the organization is characterized by individual risk-taking, freedom and uniqueness. Management encourages entrepreneurial initiatives.

The management style in the organization is characterized by competitiveness, high demands, speed and achievement.

The management style in the organization is characterized by security of employment, conformity, predictability and stability in relationships.

Organizational Glue

The glue that holds the organization together is loyalty and mutual trust. Commitment to the organization runs high. Openness and participation persists.

The glue that holds the organization together is commitment to innovation and development. There is an emphasis on being on the cutting edge and thinking about future trends.

The glue that holds this organization together is the emphasis on achievement and goal accomplishment. High performance, competitiveness and intense workload are common themes.

The glue that holds the organization together is formal rules and policies. Accountability is very important.

Strategic Emphasis

The organization emphasizes human development and building effective partnership with like minded collaborators who aid in the completion of our mission.

The organization emphasizes creative solutions to challenges. Trying new things and prospecting for opportunities are valued.

The organization emphasizes getting to know our customers and exceeding their expectations. Hitting stretch mission-related targets, expansion of services and/ or winning new funding are dominant themes.

The organization emphasizes permanence and stability. Efficiency, cost control and evidence based decision making are important.

Criteria of Success

The organization defines success on the basis of the development of human resources, teamwork, employee commitment and concern for people.

The organization defines success on the basis of having the most unique or newest products, services or programs. It is a perceived as a leader and innovator.

The organization defines success as becoming a "world-class" organization, the leading service provider who accomplishes its mission and outperforms other comparable organizations.

The organization defines success on the basis of efficiency. Dependable delivery, smooth scheduling and low cost delivery of services are critical.

3. Current Personal Approach

You, a leader, an individual

Your Personal Inclinations and Work Focus. Think about yourself within the context of your unit or team. Think about what you do right now and how you approach your work.

Currently, I approach work by...

fostering cooperation and consensus.

being flexible and adaptable.

making firm decisions quickly.

analyzing data and making decisions based on facts.

Currently, I approach work by...

showing concern for others.

fostering optimism.

making sure goals are accomplished and customers are satisfied.

maintaining consistency and reliability.

Currently, I approach work by...

communicating openly and honestly.

developing an inspiring vision.

taking charge and requiring results.

solving problems logically and systematically.

Currently, I approach work by...

developing and coaching others.

identifying new opportunities.

driving toward deadlines.

clarifying policies and procedures.

Currently, I approach work by...

increasing employee morale.

initiating change.

out-performing other service providers.

getting the details right.

Currently, I approach work by...

listening to others.

thinking creatively.

delivering results and assessing impact.

looking for ways to control cost and improve efficiency.

Welcome to the Competing Values non-profit assessment

1. Desired Purposes

Outcomes, or the value your organization intends to create

2. Current Practices

Culture, competencies and processes of the organization

3. Current Personal Approach

You, a leader, an individual

Welcome to the Competing Values
non-profit assessment