LIBRARY RESOURCES & BLOG
This area is filled with how-to articles, engaging conversations, and tons of examples of Catalytic Thinking in Action including actual planning sessions. Much to explore and learn from!
For almost three years, Creating the Future has been teaching consultants and workshop leaders how to reframe their thinking, to help their clients create a healthy, vibrant future for their communities. As we begin expanding our programs, it’s clear we are going to need additional teachers who are qualified to teach those courses. Which means … Read more
We’ve all seen it happen – an individual or organization in desperate shape, entirely out of options, when a seeming miracle occurs. A check in the mail. An invitation to speak. A long-forgotten friend calling to say, “I’ve been thinking about you.” We hear all sorts of explanations. The universe conspiring on our behalf. God’s … Read more
In a post in Inc. Magazine, Jeff Haden talks about feeling “completely out of your depth.” The post is about simple words of praise and reassurance – how those words can make all the difference, and what an easy gift they are to give. As I read Jeff’s story (which I recommend – click through … Read more
According to insurance experts, failure to pay payroll taxes is one of the most common reasons individual board members are sued. Dimitri and I have therefore always hired outside payroll expertise, and when we were still consulting, we advised our clients to do the same. Adding another party to that liability chain – someone for … Read more
If creating the world we want means getting people to change what they currently do, how can we get people to change? That’s a question we hear a lot when we tell people what we’re doing at Creating the Future. We share that we are building a movement for making visionary community results the norm … Read more
What does a board need in order to lead? No, I’m not talking about what boards are supposed to DO. Leading is not about “doing” but about “being” and “thinking.” What do board members need in order to BE leaders? This is not just an academic question for us, as we are right now in … Read more
This summer, I’ve been sharing some favorites from the interview program I do for the Chronicle of Philanthropy – “Making Change.” This week, though, instead of reaching into the archives for a favorite, I’m sharing one that is already becoming a favorite – and it just aired last week! John Stansfield’s life has been one … Read more
Several years ago, while Dimitri and I were still doing consulting, the dream gig came our way. A national organization with 50+ independent chapters in cities around the US wanted our help in designing a board education program from the ground up. Bill had been put in charge of the group’s effort to train all … Read more
Last week at Creating the Future, something happened that couldn’t wait till the board’s next meeting. Stuff like this just happens sometimes, at every organization, everywhere. So we did what boards do when stuff happens. We chatted on the listserv, texted and direct messaged to arrange a conference call, chatted on the phone for a … Read more
Another summer Monday, another great interview! This summer, I’ve been sharing some favorites from the interview program I do for the Chronicle of Philanthropy – “Making Change.” And finding favorites isn’t easy when you look at all the brilliant minds I’ve interviewed, each of them talking about what they see happening when meaningful community change … Read more