Learning to Lead for Impact
leadership insight from Tom Okarma
the latest and greatest…
Transform Your Nonprofit Board-Part-3 of 3
We are in a discussion of how to improve your nonprofit board's impact and execution through four transformational practices. So far, we've discussed: Consistency: how a Board Policy Manual, a...
Transform Your Nonprofit Board-Pt. 2
Last time, I identified four keys to transforming your board through authentic leadership. They are: Consistency, communication, execution, and accountability. I discussed consistency last week....
Transform Your Nonprofit Board–Pt. 1
Some might think it is easy for ministry boards to provide authentic leadership to their organizations. Consider: we all work for the same owner -- God, we all share the same ultimate purpose --...
Who fixes a Weak Board?
Who's responsibility is it to fix a weak nonprofit board that no longer adds value, when the organization's needs exceed what the current board can provide? Who's job is it to be sure the...
Authentic Board Service is Messy
Board candidates and directors want to serve on boards that make an impact but not all of them are willing to pay the price to either exercise, or follow, authentic leadership to do so. And, unless...
The Unavoidable(?) Leadership Silo
Most nonprofit leaders share many traits: passion for the mission, effective communication skills to "tell the story", a cadre of devoted volunteers and leadership team, and an awareness of the need...
leadership
Form Follows Function
Working with a nonprofit recently, I asked to see a copy of its organization chart-you know, the chart depicting how things are organized. As soon as I saw it, I became leery. The chart listed the names of people, rather than the departments they lead. This is often a...
Equipping Directors-101
For new board members, lead directors, and board presidents, I recently came across an excellent book. I’d consider it a “must read” and it applies to any board: for profit, nonprofit, secular, faith-based, public, private...whatever. I remember my early days on my...
The First 100 Days
Leaders have very little time to set a new tone, to begin installing a new DNA into an organization. The popular take on this is 100 days...give or take. That’s why I really like the way Theo Epstein and his new crew of leaders have literally torn into the Cubs...
Your New Best Friend-Governance
It seems to me almost all nonprofits whether faith-based or secular think if they can just hammer out a good Mission/Purpose Statement (What It Does), Vision Statement (What It Will Become), and Values Statement (What It Believes), then they have pretty much got...
7 Keys to the Right Kind of Board-Part 2
Last week I introduced this discussion about my friend having the right kind of board serving her organization. Briefly, I told her it depended on where her organization was in its life cycle and what it needs to succeed. Today, in part two I share more of my...
7 Keys to the Right Kind of Board-Part 1
I was recently asked by a friend of mine about the difference between an organization having a board of directors versus a board of trustees. He is trying to determine which model best helps him grow and refocus his small but successful organization. He wants to grow...
board development
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everything…
Let’s Play Two Today!
Pastors, executive directors, and other leaders have a lot on their plates these days so whenever others can help share the load, that is a good thing. Especially in certain areas where the leader him/her-self isn't needed. One way to do this is through delegation,...
How to Find Your Future Top Performers
Churches, nonprofits, and businesses never seem to have enough top, or at least high level performers. Whether you need more volunteers, employees, or new board members, top talent is hard to find and tough to keep. Ever wish you could clone or reproduce your top...
Building Boards that Deliver Value
I've been thinking about nonprofit boards of directors lately. What does your board development committee look for in a board candidate? What is the ideal composition of a board? I mean, what skill-sets or experiences should your board members "bring to the table"?...
How’s That Board Working Out For You?
How active is your board? Do you have any directors you have to carry from time to time? What should you do about absentee directors? We have a terrific board serving our nonprofit. It is comprised of individuals who are emotionally, financially, and actively invested...
Board Effectiveness
How active is your board? Do you have any directors you have to carry from time to time? What should you do about absentee directors? We have a terrific board serving our nonprofit. It is comprised of individuals who are emotionally, financially, and actively invested...
Employee Recognition
Things are pretty tough out there, whether you are leading a nonprofit or a for-profit business. And, it is important to recognize that our employees are working hard to do the most, and their absolute best, with the very least. The pressure on them is enormous. And,...
SHAPING THE FUTURE
Have you ever had to rebuild a department…or entire organization? Did you wrestle with how much to structure the process versus letting others handle it? We did. One of our departments had gone through a tough period. An ego-driven, bully-type person had led it. There...
The Best of Times…The Worst of Times
The Worst of Times… Leading a nonprofit organization, especially a social service organization, is an honor and singular opportunity to positively impact the lives of those going through tough times in your community. We all should be so fortunate to have the chance...
Effective Board Meetings
How are those board meetings and board committee meetings going? Do they drag on endlessly? Are they accomplishing anything? Does everyone look forward to them? Do they give you energy or drain it from you and others? We had a problem with board and some committee...