There has been much research done on the effects of change on an organization and an individual. The approach to change has an impact on how well it is received and the level of resistance people will feel and act...
In these volatile times, it is more important than ever to assure your board, management team, donors, and partners that the organization is positioned to handle the challenges of diminishing or flat revenues and increasing demand. They need to know...
A survey was recently conducted by Canada's Performing Arts Alliance - made up of the Canadian Dance Assembly, Opera.ca, Orchestras Canada, and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres - to evaluate the impact of the economic downturn on performing arts...
I have three people who report to me, and they generally carry out their responsibilities without any difficulties. But sometimes when I point out something that they haven't done correctly or on time, they say that they weren't clear on...
During Virginia Edelstein's annual review last year, it was decided that for the purpose of her professional development, she would work at identifying her next steps. Project director at Volunteer Vancouver, Edelstein had grown a bit restless recently. Discerning more...
Computer scientist Alan Kay once observed that "the best way to predict the future is to invent it." What we can create is, in fact, instrumental in shaping our future. As John Schaar puts it, "The future is not a...
Valerie Lambert is a relative newcomer to the nonprofit world. Before joining Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver in the role of executive director two years ago, her experience was exclusively in the private sector. When making the leap, she immediately...
I have been working with organizations, and especially managers, for 14 years now, and one thing is clear: managing people is hard. Some people want to be managers and seek it out. Others have been promoted to the position, regardless...
A change of leadership is never an easy time for a nonprofit. The board has a lot on the line. Clients, staff, and funders are looking to them to find the right person to take the organization forward. The wrong...
What is governance? Most discussions about governance assume that everyone involved has the same notion of just what "governance" means. In fact, there may be substantial differences in understanding of what it does mean. So the best starting point in...
