Prepping for a New Administration

While it’s been just a bit of a rocky transition, a new administration will take power in less than a week.

Regardless of where you land politically -- or which way your organization leans -- the reality is that with any new administration comes a ripple effect of change that will in some way, at some point, flow down to your nonprofit or business.

For some, this change may be subtle. For others, it will be more pronounced.

Yet regardless of where your organization falls on that spectrum, it’s worth assessing now the potential impacts -- and how they may inform your communications.

Here are 5 things worth considering:

1. First do no harm – We’re in a charged environment, which means this is no time to gloat or incite. Even if your organization’s focus is purely political, resist any urge to turn the temperature up any higher than it already is. Think twice before you tweet or post and be thoughtful with communications to internal audiences to ensure that what you’re saying won’t be received as offensive or worse.

2. Consider impact on your key audiences – In normal times, the power shift of a new administration might not be felt for a while. Yet these are not normal times, and there are likely actions out of D.C. forthcoming that will directly impact most Americans. For instance, there is a strong likelihood of a sprint toward a rapid relief bill that will put up to $2,000 in the pockets of most Americans and likely provide additional aid for businesses and nonprofits. How might changes such as these affect your operations, your key constituencies, and your messaging?

3. Assess any risks – There are winners and losers whenever there is significant change in the Washington power structure. Think about how any priority policy changes might affect your organization. If they hold any potential risks to your organization, consider ways to proactively address those challenges.

4. Look for opportunities – Are there priorities of the new administration that provide opportunities for your audiences to get engaged in positive ways? Whether it’s spearheading a letter-writing campaign or explaining how an anticipated policy change may benefit your mission and supporters, look for ways to build greater momentum.

5. Think about thought leadership – How might anticipated changes coming out of D.C. impact your industry and the causes you care most about? Change offers the opportunity to share fresh perspectives that can be of real value to your audiences, and help bolster the profile of your thought leaders.

Change has arrived. Make sure you’re ready for it.