Your Board Doesn't Have a Governance Problem -- It has a Courage Problem!
Over the years, I've heard countless nonprofit leaders say some version of the same thing: "Our board has a governance problem." Sometimes they're right. A board may have outdated bylaws, weak committ...
2 Sep 24min
Why "Any Questions" is Killing Your Board Discussions
Why "Any Questions?" Is Killing Your Board Discussions I've facilitated hundreds of board retreats over the past 20 years, and I've noticed something fascinating. The moment a board chair or CEO f...
2 Sep 6min
A Strategic Planning Doc Should be a Decision-Making Tool, Not a Coffee Table Book
I've seen some beautiful strategic plans over the years. Thick paper. Gorgeous photography. Inspirational quotes. Color-coded priorities. One organization even handed me a plan that looked expensive e...
2 Sep 11min
How Great Fundraisers Prepare for Donor Meetings
Many fundraisers think successful donor meetings are primarily about charisma. Wrong. Charisma helps. Confidence helps. Storytelling helps. But more than anything else, successful fundra...
2 Sep 14min
Every Board Has an Elephant. Most Just Feed It.
Elephants Have Excellent Appetites Boards feed elephants in all kinds of ways. They postpone difficult conversations. They soften uncomfortable language. They create committees. They commission anot...
2 Sep 10min
5-Step Formula for Setting Up a Donor Meeting
For many nonprofit leaders and fundraisers, making the initial donor call feels about as comfortable as parallel parking a boat. Even highly confident professionals suddenly become nervous, overly for...
2 Sep 11min
The Biggest Lie in Strategic Planning
Board members say it all the time. "We're just not ready to make that decision." It sounds thoughtful. Responsible. Even wise. After all, no one wants to rush an important decision. But after facili...
2 Sep 7min
