Form Follows Function

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...
Thinking Small

Thinking Small

Sometimes the worst thing that can happen to an organization is growth. Now, growth can be a good thing-in fact a very good thing- when your talking about professionalism, donor contribution levels, bank balances, staff development, and more. But if you lead  a...
Building Hope One Nail at a Time

Building Hope One Nail at a Time

Agencies that serve the basic needs of low-income people are seeing record requests for help and most are under considerable strain. But I recently spoke to one with a compelling story and an enviable track record of success that is thriving, even in this economy. Do...
Helping Today’s Clients

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...