Category: Human Resources
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Naive optimism
I recently was speaking with Amanda Caffall, who helped start and currently leads the Commons Law Center, a relatively new nonprofit. The Center is clearly thriving, even with the challenges…
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Holding up the wall
As a nonprofit Executive Director, do you ever feel like if you walk away, things will crumble? I felt this occasionally as an Executive Director, particularly in my first few…
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Planning and Management Amidst a Pandemic
I’ve worked with quite a few clients over the last few years developing strategic plans. A few have called me and asked: what now in light of the pandemic? I…
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Pros and Cons of ED Transition Processes
I was recently asked to write up some pros and cons for an organization when it comes to different hiring approaches to take for an upcoming Executive Director transition. Here’s…
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Why Volunteers and a Spiderman Theory
Why Volunteers and a Spiderman Theory of Volunteer Responsibility Most organizations with whom I consult make some effort to involve volunteers. Some are wildly successful. Others are not. There are…
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Creating a “Time” Budget
As a consultant, one thing I often observe is that clients routinely have staff who are working far more hours than is sustainable. Â Moreover, they often have little idea where…
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Preparing for an Executive Director Transition
Often times Executive Director transitions are abrupt, taking place within a 1-2 month period when an E.D. moves onto another professional opportunity. Â Rarely, they are even more abrupt after a…
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Questions from Joan Garry to ask candidates for your fundraising job
Joan Garry has some superb questions to ask those interviewing with you for a fundraising job, as well as what types of answers you should hope they provide. I particularly…
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Why you Lead Matters
I recently came across a study published in Harvard Business Review that crystallized some of my own thinking about how to motivate leadership. The article outlines the results of a…
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Guest blog: Grantwriting as a Team-building exercise
Guest blog by Sami Fournier of Element Exercise. Faced with the prospect of submitting a grant proposal, consider what a great opportunity you have before you. Beyond being a challenge…