As a professor in a business school who is a former nonprofit CEO and consultant to nonprofits, I am often asked: “Should a nonprofit be run like a business? Easy answer, “No.” A nonprofit should be run like effective nonprofits are run. However . . . . . There is a lot we – in the nonprofit world – can learn from business best practices. Far too many nonprofit … [Read more...] about Should Nonprofits Run Like a Business?
Leadership
“Innovate or Die”
The importance of innovation is a major theme today among companies and nonprofits. In recent months, The Chronicle of Philanthropy carried a cover story on innovation. In that article, Amelia Franck Meyer, CEO of Anu Family Services in Hudson, WI was quoted as saying “We’re in an environment where it’s innovate or die.” Wow. Here are some recent thought-leadership … [Read more...] about “Innovate or Die”
Fighting Gravity
Why is it that even the most inspiring visions sometimes . . . fizzle? It’s because excellence and true leadership are really, really hard. It’s like Fighting Gravity. Gravity – normalness – pulls at us every day. Try to escape gravity by pulling away from the “norm” to do something “special,” “unique,” and “exceptional?” Gravity tries to pull you back down. “Who are … [Read more...] about Fighting Gravity
The Mind of a CEO
Are you a CEO or senior leader in your organization? What’s on your mind? My guess, with all due respect, is that there is a lot of junk in there. Here is what I suggest should be on your mind. 1. Future Picture. What would the world look like if you were accomplishing your mission 100X more than you are now, and what does your organization need to look like … [Read more...] about The Mind of a CEO
Chess or Checkers?
They are played on the same board, but the two games could not be more different. The rules for checkers are straight-forward and easy to learn. The same rules apply to each piece on the board. Chess has many more rules and there are different rules about how many of the pieces can move. The key in being a successful chess player is to understand the “interdependence” of … [Read more...] about Chess or Checkers?