Vision vs. Readiness

There is usually a healthy tension between vision and organizational readiness, when considering a capital project. No organization is ever completely ready. You can’t prevent problems or stumbling blocks, it’s how you solve them that matters.

• When should you go with the momentum?
• When should you stop, pull back and reassess your capacity and your choices?
• What will you gain, and what will you lose, by going in either direction?

Calculating Your Risk

• Embarking on a capital project is a calculated risk. The more you calculate, the less you risk
• Most organizations underestimate:
  • Project duration
  • Project cost
  • Staff time and commitment required
  • Complexity of the process
  • Impact on the total organization --The tail that wags the dog
• Don’t underestimate the power of vision and excitement to create momentum and success.
• What you can lose by leaping before you look
  • $$$; Time; Credibility
• Calculate your risk to mitigate potential losses.
  • Know your strengths and weaknesses and how to address them.
  • Create checks, milestones, GO/NO-GO scenarios

Integrated Approach

• Plan for all elements of the project including: board and staff process, real estate development, design and construction, financing, fundraising.
• Don’t expect a consultant hired for one aspect of project (i.e. project management) to advise you on other aspects of the project (i.e. capital campaign or financing).

Flexibility and Compromise

• The end result will always be different from what you originally imagined.
• If you are flexible and open, the vision will be deeper in the end.

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