What should a consultant recommend as the first step before starting a new implementation project for a nonprofit?

Recommending the identification of the challenges a nonprofit is currently experiencing as the first step in a new implementation project is essential for several reasons. Understanding the specific pain points and obstacles that the organization is facing allows the consultant to tailor the project to directly address these needs. This foundational step ensures that resources are allocated effectively and that the overall implementation strategy aligns with the organization's goals.

By pinpointing current challenges, the consultant can gather critical insights that inform all subsequent phases of the project, from defining requirements to prioritizing features. Additionally, this approach facilitates stakeholder engagement, as it involves discussions with key personnel about their experiences and concerns, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels heard.

Starting with a clear understanding of existing issues sets the stage for a more focused and impactful implementation, ultimately leading to a solution that provides real value and addresses the nonprofit's core challenges effectively. Furthermore, without this initial analysis, other steps such as setting up a timeline or auditing data might not resonate or might misalign with the actual needs of the organization.