Ruthlessly say "no"

We have to prioritize how and where we channel our resources to maximize our leverage.

We don’t have unlimited time and resources. Too often, we scatter our energies away from the core work of organizing and then end up depleted, reinforcing a cycle of inadequacy that leads to burnout. We have to prioritize how and where we channel our resources to maximize our leverage.

We must ruthlessly say no to work that is not part of a coherent strategy that gets us to our goals — even if it upsets allies, sacrifices potential funding, or fails to satisfy the personal interests of individuals in the staff and base. There is simply no way to do good strategy and make everyone happy because good strategy is about achieving our goals in the world rather than appeasing individuals.

Our current political climate may require new forms of collaboration, but participation in coalitions, networks, and national formations can sometimes sap energy away from the work an organization is driving rather than turbocharging it. Being clear and committed about what lane of work your organization is holding down helps clarify when and why to join forces with bigger formations; helps you know your lane and cheer on others as they hold down theirs; and helps you know when to merge.