As discussed in the last blog, finding time to think during the regular work day is important for our creativity and productivity. But finding time for a full recharge is just as important. And that means “unplugging” from work during vacation. Yet, 42% of Americans did not take a vacation in 2014 and workers, on average, give up five vacation days per year.* And when … [Read more...] about Time to Think, Part Two: Vacations
Time to Think
“Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last.” -Simon & Garfunkel, The 59th Street Bridge Song How many times has it happened to you? You glance at your Smart Phone during a meeting and notice it is 2:30 p.m.. “What!?! Where has this day gone already?” Today’s workplace is characterized by endless meetings and tons of email. We seem to be busy, … [Read more...] about Time to Think
The Money & Mission Balance
How much of a reserve fund should you have? We can debate exactly how much is too much some other day, but I bet you know your nonprofit should have a much bigger reserve than it has now. Could your organization survive another Great Recession? The challenge we all face is finding that balance between “Money” and “Mission.” Nonprofits don’t exist to “make money.” But we … [Read more...] about The Money & Mission Balance
Your Summer Staff Retreat
Many organizations like to take a day during the summer to call a “time out” and gather the staff together for a retreat. Depending on the size of the organization, this could involve everyone or, at larger organizations, departments may end up having their own retreats. What makes for a successful retreat? Here are some tips: *It’s a Retreat. Some organizations say … [Read more...] about Your Summer Staff Retreat
Your Strategy & Your Board
How involved should your Board be with your strategic planning process? As usual, opinions vary all over the map on this question. On one end of the spectrum, some people view strategy-making as the responsibility of the staff. The Board should be generally informed – and certainly consulted if anything “wild” is being considered – but their main role is to ask good … [Read more...] about Your Strategy & Your Board