Our October Quote of the Month comes from physicist Albert Einstein:

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein

This quote has two implications for United Ways. First, if United Ways want to succeed in the future, they cannot be using the “same thinking” of the past. We find that many United Ways develop strategic plans that merely propagate the present – for example, increase campaign revenue by 10% or add 20 new workplace campaigns. This “same thinking” might have worked in the 1970s or 1980s but it is not going to solve the problems of the 2010s. Second, note that Einstein said “we created” the problems. Many United Ways blame their challenges on the economy or increasing competition, when in fact, United Ways have, by their inaction, created their own problems. The good news about creating the problems is that United Ways can also create the solutions. Before your United Way develops your next strategic plan, take a look at how your United Way can conquer your challenges with an issue focus. We can help your United Way use new thinking to impact your community and strengthen your United Way. It all starts by looking at an issue focus and having an honest conversation about the relevance and future of your United Way with our Introduction to an Issue Focus Board Retreat.

If you have a quote you would like to share for our Quote of the Month, please let me know at gary@perspectives4uw.com