The Nonprofit Sector’s Most Pressing Issues: The C-Level Exec’s Point of View, Part 2

“Make sure you provide tools to staff so they understand the numbers and short term vs. long term — make it basic and simple so everyone understands,” McGregor said. “Really understand the implications of each decision, and play with variables. Get both levels on the same page.”

Tandon added his three keys: walking, leading and prodding — as in, walk the board through each decision, lead them toward the goals and prod them to make the necessary changes. For example, Tandon said that he finds a three-year budgeting plan works better than a one-year focus on budgeting. It allows for greater long-term planning, while the quarterly reviews address short-term issues.