Recently, I was on a panel at a conference for 250+ nonprofit executives when I suggested that in order to effectively address today’s challenges they need to lead with a sense of urgency because that is what it takes to accomplish important changes required today in the sector. But it’s not going to happen overnight. So they also need to lead as if they are running … [Read more...] about Maximizing Personal Energy
Leading Innovation
We know that leading innovation is key for any organization which wants to thrive – or even survive. In fact, not so long ago a Nonprofit CEO was quoted in The Chronicle of Philanthropy that we are now in an environment where it is “innovate or die.” But how do executives go about leading innovation? In the June 2014 issue of Harvard Business Review, Harvard leadership … [Read more...] about Leading Innovation
The $500,000 Windfall
“What would we do with a $500, 000 windfall in revenue?” This was a question that a fellow Board member asked the rest of us at a recent meeting. “What a great question,” I thought. “I am so glad we have Puja on this Board.” But, our inability to answer her question with ideas that were well thought out makes me think we should revisit this question at a future … [Read more...] about The $500,000 Windfall
Your “Stop Doing” List
While many individuals and organizations are great at creating “To Do” lists – and continually adding to them – most of us are not very good at taking things off the list. It makes no sense when you think about it for even a moment. Management guru Peter Drucker once said “If you want to start something new, you have to stop activities not worth the time and effort.” A … [Read more...] about Your “Stop Doing” List
Don’t Compromise on Strategy
Sometimes compromise is necessary. If a group can’t reach collaborative consensus then you have to move to voting, where different factions give up something they want in order to make the result the least distasteful option available – that will get the required votes. The results are quite sub-optimal and, by the way, this describes our current situation (for years) in … [Read more...] about Don’t Compromise on Strategy