Does Your Boss Have a Boss?
With the approval of a new board chair, we were retained by an organization's major donor to craft a development plan. Soon, we realized that the donor really wanted an objective view of the organization and especially the CEO. As we interviewed former board chairs, it became apparent that they all tried to hold the CEO accountable, and when the CEO fought back and developed allies on the board they just fled, instead of fighting. Each left the board after serving as chair. The CEO complained that she had not received a raise in seven years. She also did not have a performance review in seven years and was already being paid above scale and was seldom at work. The sad reality: While we diagnosed the trouble, it was too late. The organization filed for bankruptcy a year later.
Looking for Jeff? You'll find him either on the lake, laughing with good friends, or helping nonprofits develop to their full potential.
Jeff believes that successful fundraising is built on a bedrock of relevant, consistent messaging; sound practices; the nurturing of relationships; and impeccable stewardship. And that organizations that adhere to those standards serve as beacons to others that aspire to them. The Bedrocks & Beacons blog will provide strategic information to help nonprofits be both.
Jeff has more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and is a member of the NonProfit PRO Editorial Advisory Board.
