Marie Kondo Your Organization
She’s helped you clean up your closets and organize your living space. What if you used her technique to clean up your calendar, your to-do list and your organizational priorities?
I have to admit that I’ve failed to practice Marie Kondo’s KonMari method in my home. And yet, I’m a believer. I believe the principles of KonMari can transform our organizations; how we focus our time, energy and financial resources to maximize impact.
The KonMari method “places great importance on being mindful, introspective and forward-looking.” – KonMari.com
When we are mindful about clutter in our homes, we’re making intentional choices about the stuff we surround ourselves with. When we’re introspective about our belongings, we’re assessing the true value a particular sweater adds to our lives. When we are forward-looking, we’re proactive about creating space to live amongst only those household goods that energize us.
We can organize our professional lives to create more clarity and energy as well. In our work environments:
· Mindful = being intentional about how we spend our limited resources of time, energy and money
· Introspection = honestly assessing the true impact our efforts generate
· Forward looking = keeping an eye on and being strategic about how we pursue our goals
Marie Kondo’s mission is to help us transform our homes into spaces of “serenity and inspiration.” She believes our environment and the items we choose to place in it can and should “spark joy.
I believe you can transform your organizational culture into one that eliminates burn out and returns results for your efforts; a culture that maximizes impact, energizes everyone on your team and sparks great joy for you, those you work with and those you serve.
By weeding out the clutter, staying focused on your mission and goals, being radically candid with yourself about what does not drive results, making the tough choices to discard what no longer serves your vision, no longer accepting flat or minimal impact, being committed to continual improvement and taking the time to keep looking ahead, your organization will see a significant upward trajectory in impact.
“Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.” – KonMari.com
Time to start letting go of the programs, the events, the activities you spend time, energy and money on that do not generate significant impact. Like the sweater you really like but only wore twice, activities that were great ideas, programs you’ve poured energy into, events you love but that do not move the needle in impact need to be let go so you can focus on the things that provide ROI – return of impact.
Organizations become cluttered over time with programs you’re attached to that no longer serve our mission effectively, events you stick with because your board likes them but in reality don’t raise enough money and drain your team, the newsletter few people read but that you’ve always mailed quarterly…. You get the point.
Just as Marie Kondo has changed people’s lives at home, you can change your organization with thoughtful decluttering. Go through each area of your organization – your fundraising, communications, programs – anything you spend time, energy or money on. Item by item ask if it drives impact. If not, thank it for its service and let it go.
After you’ve gone through each category you will feel lighter, more focused and your organization will produce greater results. You will spark more joy.
If you want to spark more joy in your leadership and your organization, reach out to me – katie@joyofleading.com. I can help.