A roadmap clear, bright On just one page, goals in sight For mission, we strive Haiku and a one-page organization strategic plan may strike you as two entirely different forms of expression, one is poetry, and the latter is certainly not. However, they share key...

Over the last several months, I have appreciated the opportunity to support some outstanding organizations as they embark on their strategic journey.  Along the way, we honed our virtual collaboration and community engagement skills and discovered some new tools–...

I often compare the dynamic of boards to family gatherings.   We anticipate certain rituals and predictable behavior from our relatives, good and bad, and we return year after year out of duty, love, or both.  A board of directors is similar; it can also fall into...

  I recently had the opportunity to facilitate a staff retreat for a social service organization.  This was one of the first in-person work activities I have had since the pandemic began and I was looking forward to human contact.  I tried to anticipate the day’s...

There is no shortage of commentary and thought on the impact of the pandemic and the extraordinary events over the last year on public health, the workplace, education, social justice, the economy, and the environment.  As I engage with professional journals, media...

A realignment conjures thoughts of either a chiropractic appointment or a visit to the car repair shop.  However, realignment can be a vital element of an organization’s ability to deliver its mission successfully. Social sector organizations of all stripes are...

During 2020 I have watched in admiration as organizations of all stripes have navigated a climate of extraordinary uncertainty, driven by their passion and commitment to their employees, customers, and constituencies. Through my advisory practice and pro bono work, I...

I am interested in social innovation, which is really just using creative strategies to address a societal challenge.  So, it was no surprise that a recent New York Times article, “A Solution to Pandemic Hunger, Eyeballs and All,” by Serena Solomon caught my eye.  The...

We are experiencing an unprecedented moment, disrupted by COVID, hurt by the economic downturn, and excited by a renewed focus on racial justice and inclusion.  Organizations from all sectors are grappling with tough financial decisions, program realignment responding...

“The social sector has a real opportunity to meet the moment by stepping forward with bold action and leadership in a national time of crisis.”