If you could only use one word to summarize the mission of your organization, what would it be? If you have never taken the time to ponder this point - I encourage you to do so now. Spend a few moments in quiet reflection and let a multitude of words run through your mind. What is the one word that captures the essence of ALL the other things you do? This is harder than it seems and may take much time and reflection to arrive at the place of finding that one word.

For us at X Factor Consulting the word is IMPACT! We exist to help you and others like you achieve maximum IMPACT with your clients, communities or causes. We have launched this newsletter to expound on the concepts of Radical IMPACT! as first published last fall in a white paper.

What is Radical IMPACT!? We think it is what many of you deliver on a daily basis. The American Heritage Dictionary provides these definitions:

Radical
adj. Arising from or going to a root or source; fundamental departing markedly
from the usual or customary; extreme

Impact
noun The effect or impression of one thing on another; the power of making a strong,
immediate impression

We incorporate those into our definition of Radical IMPACT!

Radical IMPACT!
The powerful effect or impression created by a passionate and empowered grassroots leader or organization on the root causes and fundamental issues among the clients, communities or causes served that markedly departs from the status quo resulting in lasting change.

Radical IMPACT! is the bottom line of what you seek to accomplish through your nonprofit organization or ministry. You have a vision to 'make the world a better place' or to 'change the world'. You may call it recovery, wholeness, or transformation - but in reality, Radical IMPACT! is what you seek. And Radical IMPACT! is what you deliver!

Radical Impact! deals compassionately with the symptoms plaguing your clients and communities yet at the same time recognizes that lasting change can only come by addressing root causes and fundamental issues. This means you take the long road and commit to long-term investing in people and places and work for a series of several small, successive changes and victories. By consistently making positive IMPACT in the small victories, you ultimately reach the tipping point and see the fruit of Radical IMPACT!

What does it take to build an organization of Radical IMPACT!? It definitely takes passion. Passion is the one characteristic commonly shared by all grassroots leaders and organizations. However, as you may have already discovered or soon will - it takes more than passion to survive the challenges and deal with the disappointments associated with this kind of calling.

"To make the greatest impact on society requires first and foremost
a great organization, not a single great program."

- Jim Collins, Good to Great and the Social Sector

Several ingredients are necessary to build a great organization. In addition to passion, it also takes: people, purpose, principles, preparation, planning, programs and performance. If you do the math, you will notice eight words all beginning with the letter "P". We call it the P8 Radical Impact Development Engine (RIDE).

In a V8 engine, maximum performance is only achieved when all eight cylinders are properly functioning. So it is with grassroots organizations. To achieve Radical IMPACT! you must incorporate passion, people, purpose, principles, preparation, planning, programs and performance. We invite you to join us for an eight month journey as we unpack one cylinder of the P8 Radical Impact Development Engine each month and encourage you in your mission to Radically IMPACT those you serve.