“Fall in love with the problem” is a quote from the excellent book by Ann Mae Chang, Lean Impact. The issue she is getting at is that so many people see a problem in the world and then come up with a solution to that problem that they fall in love with. Many people come to me with a solution to a problem they have observed and they want to start a new nonprofit that is … [Read more...] about Fall in Love with The Problem
measurement
Process & Impact Milestones
Once you set a goal and you make a plan, then you should set two types of milestones – Process Milestones and Impact Milestones. I notice that most people do not set milestones and when they do they only set Process Milestones. Process Milestones are periodic check-in dates in which you look at your Action Plan to see if all of the action steps are being followed. You can … [Read more...] about Process & Impact Milestones
What Keeps You Awake at Night?
*How do we cut costs? *How can we raise more money? *Who should we hire (or let go)? These are likely candidates to keep you awake at night. But if you are a senior leader for a nonprofit then I am going to add another one to your list. I know. You are welcome. I’m not encouraging more sleepless nights, but I am encouraging you to work on something unless you are sure … [Read more...] about What Keeps You Awake at Night?
Great Tools for Setting Outcomes
I have been giving the same speech for about fifteen years on the importance of nonprofits setting outcome measures – both for programs and at the organizational level. When a Board asks itself “How do we know we are making a difference?” there needs to be some kind of reliable measure that provides the answer. Inevitably, though, when I give this “speech” someone says “But … [Read more...] about Great Tools for Setting Outcomes
“We’re Lost But Making Good Time”
This is the title of Chapter One of Mario Morino’s new book, Leap of Reason. I know that most of you don’t have the time to read a blog much less a book, but I strongly recommend it. He makes a compelling case for the urgency, now, for nonprofits to change the way most operate. As he states: “Here’s the problem in a nutshell: We don’t manage to outcomes, thus greatly … [Read more...] about “We’re Lost But Making Good Time”