This past weekend was my final time presiding over our University of Maryland Executive MBA Commencement, before moving on to my next career adventure. It was a great day! The faculty and student speakers that the cohort selected reminisced, encouraged, and challenged the group as they enter the next phases of their careers. For my part, I simply reminded them of the … [Read more...] about Let’s Commence!
Mission
Goals Without Outcome Attachment
Setting SMART Goals can support you in performing at the highest levels in every part of your life. Check out my free series of brief videos on the three different types of SMART Goals. Regardless of the type of SMART Goals you set, it is easy to fall into the trap of defining how you feel about yourself by the outcomes of your work on the goals. We can become “attached” … [Read more...] about Goals Without Outcome Attachment
Fall in Love with The Problem
“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
Your Organization Identity
Mission + Competitive Advantage = Your Organization Identity This is a formula used by David La Piana in his book, Nonprofit Strategy Revolution. Even though the book is about strategy for nonprofits, the concepts apply to the business world as well. Mission is about your purpose and the impact you want to make with your organization’s services/products/programs. That … [Read more...] about Your Organization Identity
Your Cocktail Reception “Mission Conversation”
We have all heard the suggestion that we have an “elevator pitch.” It’s a good idea to have a quick summary of your mission or new business idea ready to go at a moment’s notice. But I am going to suggest that you have a longer version ready as well. In reality, you often get to talk about the mission of your organization with others in various venues – such as a coffee … [Read more...] about Your Cocktail Reception “Mission Conversation”