Speak to people skilled at nonprofit programs or marketing or fundraising and you’ll hear that they know what works because they constantly test. But promote those people to leadership, or elect them to a board of directors, and they get “risk...
We leaders are busy people facing multiple demands. Although we know the saying, “leaders are readers,” too often, reading dropped from our schedules. It feels like a luxury we can’t afford. Especially reading fiction. But fiction may be just what...
[Image courtesy of Sandy Rees] Growing up, I listened to a lot of motivational speakers. Many of them shared a story about a father with two sons. As an executive coach, I am amazed at how much this story reflects leaders’ perspectives on life. The Father with...
LinkedIn is a funny thing. A week ago, SCOTTeVEST CEO Scott Jordan posted a question. Today, the post appeared in my newsfeed. With over 200 comments to it! The question was: Who uses an executive/life coach? I met someone that raved about his coach, so I am...
It seems that those of us attracted to nonprofit leadership are very good at “doing.” We see a need right in front of us and fill it. And fill it again. In fact, we get so good at seeing the need in front of us, that we forget to lift up our head. A view...
81,650 On October 1, 2012, my family want to visit our friends the Hatches and the Swansons. When we arrived, we discovered Rob and Jon having a fun competition with push-ups. Loving to challenge myself, I naturally jumped in. Over the course of many attempts, I...
Being a leader means being ever committed to improving your communication skills. And how to deliver a joke so that people laugh with you, not despite you. Thankfully, speaker, comedian, and Second City alum Ron Tite shares a 3-minute master class from a performance...
Just a thought about setting this year’s goals: you’re not cheating if you are listing goals you know will be accomplished. Leadership is hard. Be sure to give yourself full credit for all you are accomplishing! Happy New Year!
My son showed this Pixar short. And I thought about how well this short applies to nonprofit leadership. Watch the film. And be encouraged. Leading can feel like you’re just hit by wave after wave. But sometimes, that’s exactly what gives you the...
Next Wednesday, I’ll be joining Blackbuad’s CEO Mike Gianoni and leadership expert Lisa McLoed in a Twitter chat for leaders. We’re calling it #LeadWithPurpose. This wide ranging chat will cover questions like: What does it take to lead with purpose?...
