Culture

When It’s Time for Change, Don’t Start with the Staff

When a nonprofit struggles it’s usually not because the staff are weak. It’s more likely the result of inadequate leadership and poor planning. Most employees are just as savvy as any management consu

Leaders Repeat and Reinforce

When coaching nonprofit managers I consistently emphasize the same core management principles. This constant repetition is deliberate. If you’ve read Applied Wisdom for the Nonprofit Sector and follow

You are Never too Young to Lead

I’ve often noted that one of the most valuable experiences a young, ambitious person can have is to work for excellent managers. And the reverse can be equally true: one of the most valuable experienc

Mission Statements Reinforce Organizational Values

Here are a few mission statements from prominent nonprofit organizations: The mission of the American Heart Association is “To advance the health of all individuals and communities.” Make a Wish Ameri

Diverse Boards Bring Diverse Perspectives

Successful boards are built on a core of experienced professionals who share your mission and bring unique skills, such as in planning, fundraising, and finance. Beyond that, the idea of having a set

Building Respect and Trust: Insights from our Interviews

I so often talk about respect and trust in my writing and my discussions with the nonprofit community. I’m always interested in how nonprofit leaders think about this core cultural value. In preparing