What are your dreams? If you could have it any way you wanted it, what would your organization be like – so that you could make the greatest Mission Impact possible? Dream and dream big. It was Longfellow who once wrote: Let us build such a church that those who come after us will think we were madmen’, said the old canon of Seville . . . Perhaps through every mind … [Read more...] about Building Cathedrals
New Year Resolution for Excellence
It’s New Year’s Resolution time and here is a common resolution I hear: Level 1: “I’m going to step it up this year. I am going to re-commit myself, work harder, and put in even more time.” This one gets repeated annually unless, hopefully, a light goes on: Level 2: “I’m going to keep working harder, but also work smarter!” And the process of learning about best … [Read more...] about New Year Resolution for Excellence
When Your CEO Retires
You are a Board member for a nonprofit and, at a regularly scheduled Board meeting, your CEO gives her two week notice. Even though she is 68 years old, you and other Board members are somehow shocked. I hope this does not happen to you or your organization, but it could. One reason is that many Boards and staff alike are in denial about leadership succession. They … [Read more...] about When Your CEO Retires
Being Fantastic
The basic question is this – if you want excellence, awesomeness, fantastic performance from your team/organization then what do you need? Talent & Teamwork. Both of these aspects of performance are appreciated, but I am suggesting that the way in which they complement one another is underappreciated. Some organizations tend to go the Talent route. “Let’s just hire … [Read more...] about Being Fantastic
Five Management Fundamentals
It’s a sports cliché – because it is true, and it is true in the working world as well. Winners are the ones who get the fundamentals right. Management is complex, but here are the five fundamentals to make sure you get it right: Set Clear Expectations. It makes common sense and it is backed up by research (1). Make sure that your direct reports are perfectly clear on … [Read more...] about Five Management Fundamentals