Hildy Gottlieb Last week I saw yet another workbook published by yet another respected Governance group, providing yet another list of principles for “Good Governance.” And yet again, of its 33 chapters, one chapter is devoted to “Mission and Goals.” ONE CHAPTER! The rest of the book is a chapter-by-chapter list of what we could all recite … Read more
We went to dinner last night with a group from our Pollyanna Principled Consulting Course. During the day, we make sure the group’s creature comforts are met as best as possible, feeding them well. Great breakfasts (yesterday a frittata) and great lunches (chicken with mango salsa) and great desserts (cheesecake yesterday). Fresh fruit and pastries … Read more
Oh no, here it comes. When times are tough for Community Benefit Organizations, a single article like this one (originally from the Wall Street Journal, then quoted at the Chronicle of Philanthropy) can be enough to send boards and EDs scurrying to get ahead of the latest new fundraising fad. Membership is by no means … Read more
It’s the start of another start of another week of creating the future for your community! These days, I’ve been in the middle of the project of a lifetime – finishing up the development of the first Immersion Course for Pollyanna Principled Consultants! Talk about a massive endeavor – sometimes we wonder if we will … Read more
Being in Day 3 of this fabulously energizing week, I have had little time to blog. I did, however, want to share an observation I have noted perhaps every single hour of this week: There is a huge difference between “outreach / marketing” and “engagement.” And given the choice between them, I’ll take engagement any … Read more
Last night I had the privilege of facilitating a community conversation on behalf of the Tucson Pima Arts Council. Not surprisingly, the conversation was prompted by the economy. Such discussions typically revolve around issues such as collaboration – sharing resources for HR or fundraising or co-locating. Talk often then turns to advocacy – making the … Read more
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill After my daughter was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease several years ago, we went from doctor to doctor, seeking relief. One of those doctors had been going through his own transformation (he has since entirely given up … Read more
Just as I finished yesterday’s post on the power of inspiring boards (vs. always complaining about them), I saw this newly released video from this year’s TED conference. And man if Barry Schwartz doesn’t say the exact same thing, giving statistical proof that inspiration will accomplish what neither rules NOR incentives can. When we humans … Read more
The other day, I got this tip from a group that specializes in boards and governance. (I’ve redacted the name of the high-profile organization from whence this VERY long paragraph came. I suggest skimming it – don’t read every word or you won’t get to the good stuff!) “Addressing noncompliant board members can be a … Read more
Last week I received a note that became the post Joan is Going Nowhere. In that post, Joan described her frustration with her ED’s mandate that fundraising focus on the donor vs. the needs of the population her organization serves. I am grateful for the great wisdom you all shared with Joan – being gone … Read more