by Jen Levy, ANCA Executive Director
How do you lead when everything feels uncertain and the landscape changes unexpectedly? During my tenure with ANCA, there have been some significant times of uncertainty including the 2008 global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, major disruptions in federal programs and funding coupled with the possibility of a recession. As leaders, we have to stay strong and keep moving in the right direction. Several years ago, I heard Bill Rose, retired President and CEO of the Kalamazoo Nature Center in Michigan, say that our job as leaders is to build a strong foundation, choose wisely, and stay focused. I have repeated this advice countless times over the years, no matter the challenge.
Leading an organization is as much about clarity and conviction as strategy and innovation. With ever-evolving challenges, competing priorities, and limited resources, effective leadership requires intentionality.
Maintain a Strong Foundation
Every organization needs a clear sense of who it is and what it values. This foundational identity — its mission, vision, and core values — grounds the organization through growth, change, and crisis periods.
A strong foundation is not static. It should be nurtured, clarified, and reinforced over time. A strong foundation includes investing in the people and systems that carry out the organization’s work: a well-trained staff, a healthy culture, responsible financial and fund development practices, and effective governance. Leaders who overlook the foundational aspects in favor of short-term wins may find themselves building on unstable ground.
For example, it’s tempting to chase new programs or funding opportunities that seem exciting, even if they don’t align with core priorities. However, when programs match mission and core values, long-term success becomes more achievable and sustainable.
Choose Wisely
Leadership is full of decisions, big and small. What programs should we invest in? Who should we hire? Where should we spend our limited time and energy? These choices shape not only what the organization does, but who it becomes.
Wise choices do not mean avoiding risk or change — it means making informed, values-aligned decisions that support the organization’s goals and capacity. Wise choices reflect both urgency and intentionality. They’re rooted in good data, diverse perspectives, and the courage to say no when something isn’t a fit.
A common challenge for leaders is the temptation to try to do everything. It’s easy to fall into a reactive mindset in a world of constant need and opportunity. But wise leaders set priorities and boundaries. They know that saying “yes” to everything ultimately dilutes impact. Making wise choices means recognizing trade-offs and aligning actions with long-term vision — not just immediate pressure.
Stay Focused
In today’s fast-paced environment, distractions abound. External trends, internal politics, or shiny new ideas can pull leaders off course. Staying focused requires discipline.
Focus doesn’t mean inflexibility. Strong leaders adapt to changing conditions but do so without losing sight of their core purpose. They constantly ask: “Does this move us closer to our goals? Does this serve our mission?” And they’re willing to change course or pause when the answer is no.
One of the best ways to maintain focus is through clear communication — internally and externally. When everyone on the team understands what matters most, decision-making becomes easier and more consistent. It also builds trust. A focused organization sends a strong message to staff, the board, stakeholders, funders, and the communities it serves: We know who we are and where we’re going.
Focus also protects well-being. Leaders who stay clear about their priorities are more likely to avoid personal and organizational burnout. In a culture that prizes busyness, focus permits leaders to slow down and do what matters most.
Putting It All Together
Maintaining a strong foundation, choosing wisely, and staying focused are not once-and-done tasks. They are ongoing practices that require reflection and a commitment to continuous learning. Together, they create a leadership framework that is steady but responsive, bold yet grounded. Consider these three actionable steps:
- Assess your foundation. Take the time to review your organization’s core elements: mission, vision, values, and internal systems. Are these still relevant and clearly understood across the team? Do your programs and decisions reflect these foundations? A brief staff or board survey can help surface areas of alignment or drift.
- Clarify priorities and boundaries. Identify your top three organizational priorities for the next 6-12 months. Then ask what activities or opportunities don’t align with these goals? Where do you need to say "no" or scale back? This helps ensure you're choosing wisely and protecting focus.
- Schedule a strategic review. Hold a leadership meeting or retreat focused on reflection and alignment. Use this time to revisit your strategic plan, reaffirm key goals, and discuss how to stay mission-aligned when responding to external pressures.
For leaders who embrace these principles, the reward is not just a more resilient organization — it’s a deeper sense of purpose and clarity in the work. And in times of uncertainty or change, that clarity is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
