Typical Projects

When leadership teams need support with strategic planning, Watson Durenberger are called upon to facilitate, guide and co-create a process for long term success. 

A top priority is to create a culture so board members and leadership teams are engaged in co-creating a strategic plan, strategic initiatives, mission critical actionable tactics, and high-impact deliverables. 

We ensure that a sustainable set of practices are put in place that are actionable and AGILE containing critical success factors. In the midst of delivering on your mission, our job is to create and hold space for leadership teams to work ON the business. This is critical. 

We work with clients by creating learning opportunities as we move their leadership teams through the strategic planning process is asking questions like:  

• Why do we exist? 
• Who do we serve? 
• What do we deliver 
• What are our organizational values? 
• What promises are we making?
• Do we have the resources to deliver these services? 
• How do we know we are keeping our promises? 
• Are we preparing the next round of leaders within the organization and boardroom? 
• How do we pay attention to the "right" things? 
• Can we anticipate the future? 

Successful strategy provides a path to navigate the dynamics of today's nonprofit space. Having evidence based practices coupled with years of experience in the boardroom is a powerful combination. Having an actionable and agile plan ensures the board and the staff have what they need to advance mission. 

Put our expertise to work in your organization. We will work hard for you. Our clients will echo this!

Fortune 300 Company, Financial services non-profit, $300M division budget

The challenge was to design a membership governance system that mutually energized the organization's brand, brought innovation to the practice, and excited and engaged members. The design needed to improve alignment and foster a culture that leads the organization into a preferred future that serves members, communities, and the sustainability of the organization. 

Results: A new governance strategy was plotted in 2009 and formally launched in 2012 across the country in 25+ markets.

Results: from an external reviewer "This design can figure centrally in the future of the company. The fundamental reason is it is unique in joining together brand, staff, and members. The most striking feature of this study is the energy and enthusiasm among members of the Boards."

Non-Profit, $3.5M budget

With an over functioning senior leadership team, the board slipped into an under functioning position that saw decreasing board engagement and productivity. The board became disconnected as the staff seemed to having everything in hand. With the Executive Director retiring, the Board leadership saw an opportunity to engage in strategic planning to dream about what was next for the organization. 

Using strategic planning and a task force, the senior leadership team and board found new ways to work collaboratively creating a new strategic plan and new path forward, together. Board engagement and satisfaction increased as well as board performance. The senior leadership team also experienced a sustainable lift in performance and satisfaction, all while advancing mission and delivering to their clients and community. 

Results: A new executive director was hired and the board and leadership embarked on a new strategic plan and action together. They were both clear on how to add value and both equipped with the plan of how to move forward, together. The organization reengaged in the communities they served and refreshed and renewed many community partnerships. The organization was renewed and ready for the dynamics that evolved in the Twin Cities in Spring 2021. 

Non-Profit, $6M budget

The organization was disconnected from stakeholders facing a transactional culture, and low performance. 

Opportunity to get all levels of the organization reengaged with stakeholders. Opportunity to drive stronger engagement with board and leadership team. Transform organizational culture. Re-engage major donors and key stakeholders by creating mutuality for clients and stakeholders was top priority. Working from industry best practices, we equipped leadership with tools to flip the organizational pyramid to focus on serving stakeholders. 

Results: Re-engaged leadership and created energy and momentum around mission. Successfully raised $475,000 at one evening event. Re-vitalized the work of the fundraising department and created a huge culture shift  in how staff approach fundraising which relieved the financial pressures that were driving the transactional culture. Designed multiple strategies to better connect high potential donors and key audiences to produce sustainable revenue.