Author: jonathanpoisner
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Nonprofit leadership traits
In doing their hiring processes, most boards focus on what skills they want their Executive Director to have. In my experience, it’s equally if not more important to identify the…
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Tips for being innovative
Lots of groups say they value innovation. But it’s harder to say that than to do it. If you want to encourage out-of-the-box thinking in your organization, here are some…
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Don’t take board relationships for granted
It’s easy for Executive Directors to take their board for granted when it comes to their time. You already get their input at board meetings and through formal processes. They…
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Some opening thoughts on leadership
I expect this to be the first of many blog entries on leadership. I’ve been thinking about leadership as I’ve surveyed the landscape of organizations with whom I’ve worked or…
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Time is your most precious commodity
I recently wrote an article about the perils of chasing money and other shiny objects. That article didn’t do justice to one reason why this type of mission and strategy…
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Effective new board member orientation meetings
As I work with more clients, I’m struck by the number who acknowledge that they don’t do a good job — or any job for that matter — orienting new…
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Tracking time
To manage your time, you need to know where it goes. The only way to know where you spend your time is to log it. Your memory tells you that…
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Good telephone board meetings
I previously wrote about how not to run a board meeting. That post presumed it was an in-person meeting. What about telephone meetings? Occasionally, boards must meet by phone either…
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Don’t make these mistakes in selecting a donor database
I recently came across a great summary from TechSoup on mistakes organizations make in selecting a donor database. I can personally attest to making a couple of them myself. In…
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Why Videos Go Viral
I recently came across this fascinating short video about why some videos go viral. The bottom lines: tastemakers, communities of participation, and unexpectedness. It’s worth a watch.