There’s an old adage that states when you want something done right, do it yourself. Many times, that philosophy can pay dividends to those who apply it on an individual basis. But when one looks at the voluntary sector and...
Many high performing not-for-profit organizations engage an objective third party - with the required expertise - to conduct an organization review. This involves a rigorous evaluation of how effectively resources are being applied to serve an organization’s vision, mission, and...
To ensure we're all on the same page when reading this article, let’s establish the definition of metrics: metrics are measurements. Another published definition is: “Metrics are a system of parameters or ways of quantitative and period assessment of a...
Many not-for-profit organization executives lie awake at night wondering what their members really want. Along with my colleague Jack Shand, CAE, I was involved in two projects recently where not-for-profit organization executives, and in the second instance major business leaders,...
The Pedorthic Association of Canada, a national organization with 500 members across Canada, doesn’t have an office, photocopier, fax machine or receptionist. In fact, it has no infrastructure at all. Yet, the association still boasts effective management, successful campaigns, a...
The members of the committee who disperse our Christmas packages for needy families refuse to tell our board who the recipients are, saying the families might be ashamed. I think some of the packages go to relatives of other board...
Introduction Each and every one of us has worked with a manager or project manager who has been great at developing schedules or budgets, and even getting the work done, but that we would not characterize as a great manager....
With today’s hectic pace, how often have you wished there was two of you so you could be in two places at the same time? That’s just one of the benefits cited by Tanya Sather of the Burnaby Association for...
Not-for-profit organization leaders are routinely required to explain the difference been for-profit and not-for-profit organizations to new staff, volunteers, or the person next to them on the train. This article is a primer for you to use. Because there are...
Introduction If you have ever pitched a project idea, you have likely been asked what the business case for the project is. This is the person’s way of saying, “What’s in it for me?” Developing a business case is your...
