Nonprofit Management 101

I might be a bit late to the party, but I just discovered the new (2019) edition of Nonprofit Management 101 , and it’s become my go-to resource. If you are thinking of creating a nonprofit (please talk to me first!), or if you already did and need some guidance, or if you’re an Executive Director of a nonprofit, YOU NEED THIS BOOK.

The authors, Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Laila Brenner, have compiled 33 chapters worth of knowledge, encouragement, and insights from such gurus as Joan Garry, Beth Kanter, Amy Sample Ward, Mollye Rhea, David Fenton, and Kivi Leroux Miller- not to mention a foreword by Van Jones. Each chapter has references and resources for additional valuable information, and there’s So. Much. More.

The underlying messages- that we are all in this together, that nonprofits are an important and valued sector, that resources and advice needs to be shared so we can all be successful- are essential and inspiring. I’m so happy to have all of this in one (large) volume! I know my copy will be well-used.

Why don’t you get yourself a copy?

What Color Is Your Succession Plan?

The unexpected passing of Kaiser Permanente’s CEO Bernard Tyson this week was sobering on many levels. For me -wearing my consulting hat- it served as a reminder of the importance of having an organizational succession plan in place, regardless of whether or not transition is planned. Unplanned transitions can be devastating for organizations, especially small ones. While large organizations such as Kaiser likely have deputies or associates who can step in as needed to fill this void, without an articulated succession plan, their job is much more challenging. Imagine a small organization, with at most only a few employees, losing their leader suddenly. What happens then?

Having a succession plan is a proactive, responsible action that your board can take to ensure that the loss of a leader will be easier to navigate. Let me help you develop your plan!

I Get By With a Little Help From My Coach

“The very best coaches are compassionate truth tellers. And the very best leaders can hear that truth and make the adjustments necessary to improve their skills as leaders and managers.” Atul Gawande, MD in his TED Talk , “Want To Get Great At Something? Get a Coach!”

It’s tough out there in the nonprofit world. Between raising money, managing staff, overseeing programs, dealing with your board, and a myriad of other priorities, it can get pretty crazy for a leader. When do you know that you need a coach to help guide you through some of life’s ups and downs?

Joan Garry’s recent post in the Chronicle of Philanthropy sheds some light on the myths that many leaders (and boards) have about who needs a coach. Spoiler alert: every leader could use one! Whether you’re a newly-hatched ED or CEO or one who’s departing, whether your organization is doing well or floundering, whether you think you have the money or not, coaches can and should be part of the mix.

I encourage you to read Joan’s post and watch Dr. Gawande’s talk. And then let me know how I can help you become the best leader you can be.

Question: Are You Asking The Right Questions?

Let’s say your organization is going through change. Let’s say there are questions about your mission, or vision, or values.

Let’s hope that you’re addressing these questions. Let’s hope that you’re asking other questions that can provide clarity and direction. What might those questions be?

• What do we want our world to be? Is there an ideal you are striving for? There should be!

• What is our why? What’s so important about what you are working toward?

• How will we uniquely achieve this? What do you do better than anyone?

• What do we stand for and against? How are you defining the boundaries of what you do for your world?

• Who do we serve and what do they need and believe? Who will we impact and who will impact us?

These questions are not always easy to answer. They may spur debate, disagreement, and discussion. They should! To get to a place where you’re more certain about why you are doing what you do in the way you do it AND how that might need to shift or change over time is the most important work of an organization. Without it, there can be no change or growth.

If you are ready to do this work, I am ready to help you.

Are You Ready For Takeoff?

What makes a nonprofit willing and able to change and grow? Is there a “secret formula” to this readiness?

In her blog on Social Velocity, Nell Edgington identifies 5 traits that indicate an organization might be a good candidate for change or growth:

• You have momentum among Board and staff: while not all of your key internal stakeholders need to agree, a significant number of them have to believe that the time for change is now

• You have a clear idea what the definition of change is: you are utilizing opportunities to consider and discuss what change looks like for your organization and you can set some specific goals for change.

• There is a belief that change can happen: the collective power of positive thinking creates momentum and enthusiasm.

• You have the ability to have difficult conversations about potential challenges to growth: you have a group that is able to confront these issues and be honest about how to address them.

• There is a strong commitment across the organization: everyone participates, everyone has a specific role and a way to be involved in making and facilitating change.

As Edgington says, you either have these traits, or you develop them. But without them, you won’t get too far.

Is your organization ready for takeoff? I can help!

It's All About Change

Back in December, I wrote about my theme for 2019, which is all about change and transition. My new gig as Interim CEO is going well, but not without its challenges for me personally and for the organization undergoing transition.

Thinking about change in your organization? There are many resources out there to guide organizations through the initial stages of succession planning and transition (yes, these two things are different- more on that in a future post). Here’s a good one: Graceful Exit: Succession Planning for High-Performing CEOs.

Please be in touch with questions about your organization’s future. I’m here to help!