Outstanding leaders in the not-for-profit sector have common characteristics. Certainly they must be aligned with their employer's mission and be a compelling advocate who engages others in that mandate. They must be effective communicators. Leaders engender confidence. What else are...
It’s no surprise that employees in the nonprofit sector are generally paid less than their contemporaries in the private and public sectors. While we’d like to believe the sector’s employees are equally motivated by salary as they are by the...
All organizations face tough decisions. Certainly, the jobs of most leaders revolve around decisions. In a previous Tools issue, we gave you Peter Brinckerhoff's decision-tree from his book, Nonprofit Stewardship: A Better Way to Lead Your Mission-Based Organization. This issue...
When entering the nonprofit sector, people often find themselves drawn to organizations that align with their values. They feel energized by their passion for the cause and, over time, they develop their career and contribute to the mission of the...
I saw some results from a survey on workplace engagement levels. Apparently, 29% of employees reported that they were engaged with the work of their organizations. This doesn't strike me as being terribly high. With the emphasis that's been given...
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...
