Lake Organization Capacity
In each issue, we share ideas and resources to help your organization build its capacity to care for Wisconsin’s lakes. This time, we’re digging into a tool used to enhance the internal functions of your organization.
By Dave Quady, Sand Lake Association
What does the makeup of your community look like? Let’s talk about how your organization can benefit from better knowing its membership (associations) or property owners and electors (districts). A simple survey of your lake community can uncover hidden talent, strengthen your organization, and help you reach your goals.
Have you ever wondered who in your community knows how to raise funds, understands accounting applications, or is involved with the county, town, or DNR? Lake groups should spend time getting to know their community’s skills and experiences to create a more robust organization, and invite those folks to join your board.
The Organizational Capacity section of the Extension Lakes website explores Internal Functions, including how using a Skills Gap Analysis will help to better understand your board’s talents and help fill gaps. The tool provided is customizable, but should not be overused.
This is just one more tool in your capacity toolbox that can help you build stronger relationships and do more to protect our shared waters.
Dave’s Hot Tips for a Successful Skills Gap Analysis:
- Keep it short, simple, and clear.
Ask 6-10 concise questions that take under 10 minutes to complete. Simple and inclusive will get you more responses, but allow for open-ended feedback!
- Test, review, and make updates.
Before sending it out broadly, ask a small group to test the survey and tweak it as needed.
- Provide a timeline and reminders.
Ask for responses in 1-2 weeks, with reminders after 4-5 days and a final reminder a few days before the deadline. Stick to your deadline.
- Use free online survey tools.
Survey tools make it easy to take and compile results. Examples include Google, Microsoft, SurveyMonkey, and Typeform.
- 30-40% response rate is a win.
That’s great! If you’re under 20%, review the survey length, questions, audience, and approach.
- Use the results and say thank you.
Organize, review, and discuss the results, then put them to work. Make sure to thank those who took the time to respond.