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
Leadership
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 Balanced Life Myth?
The cover story of the March issue of Harvard Business Review* is focused on Work-Life Balance, which – the executives surveyed by the authors – consider either a myth or elusive ideal. However, through the research these authors conducted of senior executives, some helpful ideas emerge. The overall theme of the research is that we each need to own making choices around our … [Read more...] about The Balanced Life Myth?
The Dark Side of Confidence
Confidence is absolutely necessary to be a successful leader. And yet, gone too far, it can become arrogance and can lead to poor decisions – even disastrous decisions. How do we find a balance? One way to balance this is long term versus short term confidence. Long Term: “I am confident in . . . . . . the importance of our mission and the impact we make.” . . . the … [Read more...] about The Dark Side of Confidence
Experts Get Stuck in Status Quo
When you are stuck in the status quo there are a lot of things you miss. Opportunities are one of them. If you are sure that there is no better way of going about doing what you are doing, then you will for sure miss Opportunities. If you are an expert and you know that this certain way of doing things is the right way, then you will not see Opportunities for new ways to … [Read more...] about Experts Get Stuck in Status Quo