While there is no inherently “right” or “wrong” path in most of these situations, there is certainly a path less traveled.   

Here are three common explanations you might hear from potential board members reluctant to hop on to the Nonprofit Board Crazy Town Bus (if that isn’t reason enough…) as well as how to address each.

To some who know me well, it may come as a shock that I am not setting any goals or resolutions for 2023. Yes, pick up your jaw from the floor.  Over the past several years I’ve come to realize that my long, ambitious list of goals overwhelms me and makes me feel like a […]

The end of the year brings with it an endless array of “to do” items, holiday festivities, and downright chaos. Add to this planning for 2023. Besides feeling overwhelmed with a never-ending “to do” list, I’m guessing you’ve also run into “idea” overload, having so many ideas yet knowing you don’t have enough time to […]

Beyond your donors, which stakeholders are you thanking? ThanksGIVING. When you see this word, what is the first thing that pops into your head besides food coma? If you have any role in fundraising, I’m guessing a close second to food coma would be donor giving and giving thanks to donors. And who could blame […]

You work long, tireless days and most weekends. It’s fundraising event season, and your workload continues to pile up while year-end deadlines stare you in the face. You feel alone with nobody to vent to because, if we’re being honest, all of your friends work for nonprofits and are in the same boat as you, […]

Ever wondered how the Labor Day holiday came about? Here’s a bite-sized history lesson: Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many […]

There’s an old joke that a CEO’s chief complaint is “my board is disengaged” and that this is tied with another complaint, “my board is engaged.” If this rings true for you or gave you a chuckle, you’re not alone. Last month we focused on the causes of micromanagement by nonprofit boards. So, what are […]

In the nonprofit boardroom, this one thing is considered a cardinal sin, and unfortunately, it’s one that happens all too often. Any guesses on what it might be? If your mind is like mine, you probably went straight to worst case scenario—having an affair with your Executive Director. The good thing is that no, it’s […]

Five years ago I challenged myself to apply for the altMBA, an intensive four week online leadership course that challenges its students to level up through new skills while also pro viding an opportunity for people to share experiences in an engaging cohort format. After being accepted, a stack of what felt like 20 books […]