With the right implementation, nonprofits have a straightforward tool for measuring success at their fingertips.

By Joel Zimmerman

Get ready, get set, implement!
Once you understand what a balanced scorecard is all about, you are ready to implement it. This is a multistep process that is not for the weak of heart or the short of patience. While it does, in theory and over time, lead an organization to more efficient and effective practices, the balanced scorecard requires substantial time, energy and talent up front to make it work well. Worse, if the balanced scorecard technique is not planned and implemented smartly, the result is likely to be a disappointing waste of that time, energy and talent.