We can’t figure out what to call ourselves. I most often hear “non-profit” or “not-for-profit, ” but both describe what we are NOT – not what we are FOR. We certainly aren’t for loss – though some organizations are mistakenly managed this way! We have tried so many alternative labels: philanthropic, independent sector, social sector, non-governmental, mission-based, … [Read more...] about If Not-For-Profit, Then For What?
Inspiration
Crosswalk Convert
This blog has nothing to do with strategy, leadership, or teamwork. Then again, maybe it does . . . I moved to a new neighborhood a couple of years ago. This changed my commute and took me down a street with a crosswalk in the middle of a very long block. I wasn’t used to a crosswalk that was not located at a street corner, so I did what everyone else did – I sped … [Read more...] about Crosswalk Convert
Building Cathedrals
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
Leadership is Fragile
I am blogging today from Columbus, OH, home of one of my alma maters, The Ohio State University. Later today I will be doing a one day workshop based on the Mission Impact book entitled “Clearing Hurdles to Innovation & Strategy” for about sixty-five nonprofit executives from Central Ohio. Usually when I visit here, the buzz is about football or basketball. But not … [Read more...] about Leadership is Fragile
“Now Let’s Go Fail”
I have heard six different commencement speeches during the past couple of days. They were all very good, but the best one was from an undergraduate student (now a new graduate) from the Smith School of Business at Maryland, Manas Kulkarni. The theme of Manas’ message was “Now Let’s Go Fail.” You can hear the entire speech at this link and fast forward to the 54 minute … [Read more...] about “Now Let’s Go Fail”