Leading Through Change: A Practical Application of Katz’s Three-Skills Theory in a Non-Profit Organization Lainee Meyers

Background

Imagine a mid-sized non-profit organization, BareMinimum, dedicated to providing housing and support services to low-income families. The organization has grown rapidly over the past few years, but recent changes in government funding and increased demand for services are challenging its ability to meet community needs. The Executive Director, Maria, recognizes the need to pivot the organization’s strategy toward developing sustainable funding sources and expanding its service model to include financial literacy and job training programs.

Katz’s Three-Skills Theory Overview

Katz’s Three-Skills Theory outlines three critical skills necessary for effective leadership: technical skills, human skills, and conceptual skills.

Technical Skills: The ability to apply specialized knowledge or expertise. In a non-profit, this could mean understanding grant writing, program management, or the specifics of social services.

Human Skills: The ability to work with, understand, and motivate other people, both individually and in groups. This involves effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.

Conceptual Skills: The ability to think abstractly and strategically, allowing leaders to understand complex situations, recognize opportunities, and plan for the future.

Case Scenario

Challenge: As BareMinimum prepares to diversify its funding and expand its services, Maria must demonstrate all three skills outlined in Katz’s theory to guide the organization through this critical transition.

Technical Skills: Maria may not be a financial expert, but she has a solid understanding of the non-profit funding landscape, including grants, donations, and social enterprise models. She collaborates with the finance team to analyze the organization’s current funding streams and identify new opportunities. Maria also takes the time to understand the technical aspects of launching new programs, such as the logistics of providing job training and the curriculum required for financial literacy courses. This knowledge enables her to make informed decisions about resource allocation and program development.

Human Skills: Maria understands that any significant change can create anxiety among staff, volunteers, and the community they serve. She prioritizes open communication, holding regular meetings to explain the reasons behind the strategic shift and to listen to concerns. Maria also works closely with her team to ensure that everyone feels supported during the transition. She provides training on new service delivery models and fosters an inclusive environment where staff and volunteers are encouraged to contribute ideas and feedback.

Conceptual Skills: Maria’s ability to see the big picture is crucial for BareMinimum’s future. She envisions how expanding services and diversifying funding will position the organization to better serve the community in the long term. Maria develops a strategic plan that outlines the steps needed to implement these changes, including timelines, potential challenges, and partnerships with other organizations. Her ability to connect the dots between the organization’s mission, funding needs, and service delivery ensures that BareMinimum remains a vital resource in the community.

Discussion Questions

1. How did Maria’s technical skills influence her decision-making process during BareMinimum’s transition?
2. In what ways did Maria’s human skills help to mitigate resistance and ensure staff and volunteer buy-in?
3. How did Maria’s conceptual skills enable her to develop a strategic plan for BareMinimum’s future?
4. Which of Katz’s three skills do you think was the most critical to the success of BareMinimum’s transition? Why?
5. How could a lack of one of these skills have potentially derailed the transition? 

Conclusion

This case demonstrates how Katz’s Three-Skills Theory can be applied in a non-profit leadership scenario. Maria’s ability to integrate technical, human, and conceptual skills allowed her to effectively lead BareMinimum through a significant strategic shift. By balancing these three skills, she was able to make informed decisions, manage her team’s concerns, and maintain a clear vision of the organization’s future, ensuring that BareMinimum continues to fulfill its mission in a challenging environment.

Author Bio

Lainee Meyers is a passionate advocate for social justice, with over ten years of experience in direct homeless services and public administration. While working full-time and pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Northern Iowa, Lainee focuses on addressing systemic inequalities in housing, healthcare, and environmental justice. Known for strong skills in empathy, communication, and strategic thinking, they bring a deep commitment to equity and inclusion to both their professional and academic roles. A Utah native, Lainee finds balance through the outdoors, books, podcasts, and time spent with their two dogs.

License

This case study is licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.