Outward Bound: Consultants bring help from the outside in

A couple of years ago, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada took a strategic step outward. Though boasting a staff rich in expertise and vast in experience, they nonetheless decided to outsource an external consultant for an upcoming sponsorship program....

Delivering a project in stages

Introduction Every project has a beginning and end. It begins with an idea, such as how to improve communications with donors, and ends with the delivery of a product or service, such as a donor database. Each project follows a...

Governance Q&A: Is it ethical for a counsellor to just “make the right choice” for their clients?

I counsel clients and am required to explain a range of options. My clients are usually under considerable stress and not at their best for making sensible choices. It often seems they make the worst possible choice. I compare notes...

Let’s get fit! Improving operational performance

A resolution to get and stay fit In the past few weeks, many of us have made a resolution to get in shape. But when the cold hard reality of the gym sets in, we may be disappointed that we...

Introduction to the project lifecycle

Introduction Many of our previous discussions have looked at the various components of project management and what a project manager does on a daily basis. These have been tip-oriented to help you manage the project and your sanity as you...

Governance Q&A: Balancing a community’s needs with your organization’s ability to deliver

My community has many needs. Sometimes as executive director I hear about new grant programs that would serve my community well, but the type of service is well outside what my organization does. I cannot just tweak. Should I go...

First aid for projects

Introduction Everyone has worked on a project at one time or another that has been 'challenged'. These are the projects that keep us working well beyond sunset or that keep us up at night. The best case scenario is that...

Governance Q&A: Conflicts of interest beyond the board and executive levels

I hear a lot about conflict of interest at the board and executive level. Is it an issue below that? Conflict of interest is possible and serious throughout all levels of staff. The Code of Conduct for staff, and staff...

Issues in implementing a project management office

Introduction Establishing a project management office (PMO) is a challenging endeavour. Many organizations that have tried to establish a PMO have either not been as successful as they could have been, or they have failed entirely. It is not uncommon...

Gimme Shelter: What it takes to be a successful umbrella organization

I have a number of umbrellas in my closet that I pull out depending on my mood. My favourite is bright pink, a perfect antidote to a gloomy, rainy day. Another one lies dormant next to the bag of used...
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