Cue dramatic music and the sound of someone wandering off mid-sentence.
Welcome back to Behind the Clipboard—the talk show where nonprofit headaches take the hot seat. Today’s guest? You’ve probably seen them before… at the program planning meeting… the grant application… and your last five board retreats.
Please welcome: Mission Drift.
She’s charming. She’s confusing. She has ideas. Lots of them.
🛋️ The Interview
Host (me):
Mission Drift, thank you for being here. Though… it looks like you brought five new program proposals, a fresh tagline, and a slightly different version of the mission statement?
Mission Drift (floating, gesturing vaguely):
Oh yes! I just felt led to shift things a little. We can reach everyone, right? I mean, why limit ourselves? Plus, this new opportunity just fell in our lap. It doesn’t technically fit the mission, but it has potential…
Host:
Mmhm. And how do you respond to people saying you’re pulling the organization in too many directions?
Mission Drift:
Oh, I’m not pulling. I’m expanding! Vision should be flexible. It’s like… a balloon. Or an abstract painting. You don’t define it. You feel it.
Host:
And how would you describe your relationship with Strategy?
Mission Drift:
Oh, we don’t talk anymore.
🎯 What This Looks Like in Real Life
Mission drift doesn’t always come crashing in like a wrecking ball. Sometimes it tiptoes in wearing opportunity’s perfume.
It can look like:
- Adding a new program because someone offered funding—even if it’s not part of your mission
- Changing your messaging to “appeal to more people,” until no one’s sure what you do anymore
- Your board suggesting, “Well maybe we could also…,” and suddenly your to-do list doubled
- Partnering with other orgs in ways that blur the lines of your core identity
Drift feels like progress, but it’s actually momentum without a map. You’re moving—but where?
🛠️ What To Do About It
Mission Drift doesn’t mean your org is doomed. It just means it’s time to recalibrate.
- Re-read Your Mission Out Loud
Seriously. At the next staff or board meeting, read it like it’s new. Ask: “Is what we’re doing aligned with this?” - Say “No” Without Shame
Just because it’s a good opportunity doesn’t mean it’s a good fit. Declining misaligned projects protects your real work. - Make a “Stay-In-Lane” List
Create a short list of the types of programs, services, or partnerships that do align. Let that list guide your yeses. - Reconnect with Strategy
Strategy and Mission Drift are often at odds. Bring Strategy back into the conversation to stay focused, but flexible.
💬 Final Thoughts from the Couch
Mission Drift (floating upward):
I just believe we can do it all…
Host (me):
Sure. But should we?
Clarity is kind. Boundaries are helpful. And your mission? It deserves the spotlight, not a supporting role in someone else’s idea.
