What do you do when you have a great sales or fundraising conversation with a person but then they stop responding? They’ve already made the decision to buy or give – or at least they say they have. But they haven’t yet given or purchased. This is so...
So often, leaders look for external cues and systems to validate their leading. They want manuals or a curriculum. But these can fall flat. Or worse, have no lasting impact. It’s not until leaders start working from within, that lasting change gets made. We just...
I just finished a brand new book called Exactly What to Say by Phil Jones. He shares a couple dozen phrases to use in sticky situations. Some of the most helpful are in the context of following up. Think about a person you’ve asked to do something. Maybe...
As an executive coach, I daily remind leaders to “lead your life.” That they do not have to stay victims to schedules and demands and priorities. That rather than serving their schedule, their schedule can actually serve them. This morning, I needed to...
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...
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!
Being a nonprofit CEO or executive director can be one of the most overwhelming positions. Not only do you have the normal audiences of staff and clients to serve, you have your board and even donors. Your plate is filled with tasks and to-do’s! Yet often, it...
This morning on Marketplace Morning Report, host David Brancaccio referenced recent deaths of well known people like the artist Prince and exhorted listeners to “GET A WILL.” “The death rate in America is still 100%.”- David Brancaccio, host...
Whether you are starting your fiscal year or not, you are half way through the calendar year. Halfway points are great times for leaders to pause. To review their goals. To measure progress and, possibly, map mid-course corrections. My friend Jon Swanson shared a...
Talk with a nonprofit leader for any amount of time and you will likely hear them say, “It feels like we are building the bridge as we are crossing it.” The latest data backs this sentiment. This is particularly troubling in the sector with the third...
