Tips and Answers to Your Questions
Integrating the New Organization

Celebration

Celebration is an important part of the strategic restructuring process. Successfully negotiating an agreement to merge, form a joint venture, set up a parent-subsidiary structure, or otherwise pursue a strategic restructuring process is a major achievement. Although there is still much to do before the restructuring is fully and successfully implemented, it is always wise to take time post-agreement to celebrate what you've accomplished. You're embarking on a new future - share the excitement!

Press releases, a convening of funders, open houses, and letters to the editor should all be considered part of a celebration strategy, which should be coordinated between the two organizations. There is a great (if short-lived) potential for positive public response to a merger or other significant strategic restructuring, and this should be taken advantage of as quickly as possible. Even if you're not ready yet for a big public announcement and celebration, the boards can hold an informal reception, and the staffs can sponsor open houses for each other. These or similar low-key celebrations can help mark an important milestone. Don't forget to budget for celebration activities when you are raising money to cover the costs of the strategic restructuring process.