“Strategic Planning” – Articles
Creative Friction-A Good Thing
When I led a for-profit company, we used to talk about “creative friction”- a condition whereby people with different opinions on a particular topic were encouraged to voice their opinions and provide evidence to substantiate their positions. It was very helpful in...
All Together Now…
They say leadership is a lonely position. It’s true, but that doesn't mean you’re all alone. Often, it is better to open the door and let others have a chance to solve the big problems leaders face. I once led an organization that sold services through a terrific, and...
What’s the Score?
Most organizations have a plan for what they what to accomplish in a given year-maybe an elaborate one, maybe a simple one, but they have a plan. That's good. And, most organizations measure results and various other data. That's good, too. I've found, though, that...
When The Leader Retires
I recently agreed to serve as co-chair of our nonprofit's search committee to replace the current president and founder. He will be retiring with the next year or so. He has a wealth of information, wisdom, relationships, and passion. Needless to say, replacing him is...
The Perfect Search
I came across a very good book about executive searches for nonprofits recently. It is loaded with suggestions and observiation based on real life experience. The Perfect Search by Tommy Thomas could be a terrific resource for you if your nonprofit is about to launch...
Marketing vs Development
Having great marketing, advertising, and PR plans are great first steps in assuring your organization has adequate financial resources to carry out your mission. But is it enough? I say no. The finest website, the classiest brochures, even the snappiest messaging are...
Time for Revenue Plan B?
OK, so your donations may not be coming in at levels you thought this year but at least you are still pretty much on budget. You still need to be aware of a clear and present danger that has recently reared its head. I’m talking about the nation’s desire to address...
Engaging Gen Y
One comment I hear executive directors make with some regularity is how they wish they could figure out how to expand their volunteer and donor base to include younger people. I notice, though, that in practice these same executive directors continue to do the...
The Toughest Kind of Change
Back in January I posed these questions and asked you to consider them…“If I were creating my organization TODAY, what is the best way to set it up? Are we organized that way? What is getting in the way of our ideal envisioned structure?” Today, I’d like to take this...
Best Practices
Smart leaders are always looking for ways to manage their expenses better, increase revenue, or work smarter, especially during these days of uncertainty. In this environment, looking for ways to do things better has to be job one! One overlooked tool that can...
Helping Today’s Clients
I’ve been thinking about how one’s perspective heavily influences his or her opinions, decisions, and actions. Just ask a Chicago Cubs fan about the White Sox, or a Yankee fan about the Red Sox. Now baseball may not be a matter of life and death (OK, I stand...
Give ’em a Chance
Remember early in your career, just before it really took off, and before you had made a name for yourself? You probably were in some lower-level position just doing what you were told as best you could, and trying hard to be a good team player. Then, one day your...
Got Talent?
In a previous work life I had the privilege of getting to know and learn from a world class consultant-Dr. Ram Charan. His specialty is leadership and strategy and he consults with many of the most recognized companies in the United States. He has written many books...
Shaping the Organization’s Future
Have you ever had to rebuild a department, ministry, or an entire organization or church? 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 leader had...
What’s your plan? You do have one, don’t you?
I think there is a lot to say about the Law of Attraction, which can loosely be defined as “like attracting like”. I found that simple definition on the Internet so you know it has to be true. Anyway, I seem to be attracting a lot of organizations lately that suffer...
Generational Change and Your Organization
With October quickly slipping away many organizations are hard at work developing business plans for the coming year. Others may be engaged in creating new long-range (whatever that means) strategic plans. For nonprofits and churches, that means leaders, board...
Shaping the Organization’s Future
Have you ever had to rebuild a department, ministry, or an entire organization or church? 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 leader had...
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"?...
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