Executive Issues

In the process of creating a 12-month strategic plan, there is a lot of focus on: soliciting, preparing proposals, thanking the donor and reporting back the impact of that donor’s gift. But, what we have found can really make a difference in nonprofit impact are the small, personal touches that let the donor know you know them...

Studies show that nonprofit organization executives have an increased susceptibility to over-extend themselves, especially if their idea of a personal mission aligns with the mission of their organization. The irony? The leader feels like he or she is doing the right thing by giving too much of themselves for the organization, but is hurting the organization by burning themselves out prematurely...

Large-scale problems demand large-scale solutions. In order to dramatically improve outcomes for the constituents and communities they serve, nonprofits are increasingly expanding their thinking and vision to tackle problems they might have deemed beyond their reach five or 10 years ago...

A job listing recently came across my desk for the chief marketing officer at a major nonprofit who will remain nameless. My eye dropped to the requirements for the position: a bachelor’s degree—not even specifically in marketing or communications...

The ongoing quest for funding can often feel like navigating a psychological minefield of cultural complexities and politics. Indeed, there were times I felt completely in the dark during the first few years that I was trying to get our ocean nonprofit Beneath the Waves off the ground and evolve from a small, grassroots organization.…

Nonprofits are a positive part of many people’s lives, whether they are clients in need of services, donors giving to organizations or volunteers participating in the mission. While most of us have had favorable relationships with nonprofit organizations, unfortunately, many of us can also cite frustrations with them...

Today’s Associated Press Style, used by most journalists and professional communicators, seeks to abbreviate copy and save valuable space—whether in print or online—knowing that readership and comprehension both increase with brevity....

There are some fantastic leaders in our nonprofit arena—CEOs, chief development officers and beyond. There are also some leaders who are underperforming and too often get passed from organization to organization...

If you intend to make a career in the nonprofit sector, seek to constantly have the right stuff. Also, be aware that “the right stuff” constantly changes and you must be proactive instead of being reactive. The dynamics of the nonprofit sector continue to evolve internally and externally in your world...

Principle 3 of The Eight Principles™ is Leadership Leads™. The governing board and senior staff of an organization are the ones responsible for doing the leaping. Far too often, however, those leading are the ones resisting their role...