Earlier this week I worked with some other local non-profit leaders in re-designing the leadership curriculum at Regis University. We came upon a recent article, "Creating High Impact Non-profits," by Heather Grant and Leslie Crutchfield in the Stanford Social Innovation Review publication.

The article made me think more about how non-profits can really make an impact in the world. Most of us think that strengthening a non-profit's internal management system is the key to scaling the ladder of greatness; however, based upon the research Grant and Crutchfield conducted, this does not seem to be the case.

Pulled from the research and from my own 30+ years of experience, here are some of the key factors (and a few myths) that play into creating a high impact non-profit.

The myths:

1. Management is the answer. Although it is important to have an adequate management system and a strong infrastructure, you need more than that to create a high impact non-profit.
2. Branding is the answer. Certainly having a name and a brand that people recognize is helpful in recruiting volunteers and raising dollars, but some of the top organizations spend very little time and resources on marketing and public relations.
3. Cutting edge ideas. Even though these are important in some organizations, others take old and existing ideas and tweak them into huge success stories.
4. Beautiful mission statements. It is important to have a clear mission statement but it is more important to spend time living and executing it rather than polishing it.
5. Budget size. The size of the organization's budget is not critical for success or greatness and does not equal greatness.

1. Direct service plus advocacy. Many of the leading programs start off providing services to people but then realize they can't accomplish their goals without also becoming involved in advocacy, public policy, and grassroots activities.
2. Become entrepreneurial and market driven. "If you don't have control over your money you don't have control over your values" is something I learned many years ago. Most of the high impact organizations develop funding streams that are market driven; they also find support through earned-income, fee-for-service, business, and entrepreneurial ventures.
3. Inspire cheerleaders and evangelists. Really successful organizations have a charismatic champion who inspires strong supporters to become cheerleaders and marketers for the organization.
4. There are no competitors, only allies and friends. The really great leaders "give it away" and don't see other organizations as competition. They view other organizations as opportunities to network and to share knowledge and information.
5. Flexibility and adaptability. The only certainty is uncertainty. The really high impact non-profits understand the need to remain loose and flexible in order to pick up on opportunities or modify strategies and tactics when the environment or situation changes.
6. Spread the leadership around. One of the top ten commandments of leadership is that a great leader develops other great leaders. It is critical that the leaders of organizations spread their power, authority, and responsibility around and create an environment that is transformational.