Professional associations can be a real lifeline for nonprofits. They connect us with others doing similar work, help us stay on top of what matters, and give our missions a stronger voice. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah chat about what makes a professional association truly helpful—and how to tell if the one you’re part… Continue reading How Professional Associations Can Help Your Mission
Category: Leadership
Planning for Succession
Succession planning isn’t just about replacing a leader—it’s about sustaining an organization’s mission through change. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about why every nonprofit should have a plan for the transition of staff and board leaders, including both expected or unexpected changes. From practical steps to mindset shifts, we explore how to approach… Continue reading Planning for Succession
How Boards Can Be a Source of Strength in Uncertain Times
We have entered turbulent times for nonprofits. A strong board can be the steady hand that keeps a nonprofit on course. It can offer clarity and connection when things feel uncertain. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah dive into how boards can stay mission-focused, support their organizations, and strengthen community ties during these challenging times.… Continue reading How Boards Can Be a Source of Strength in Uncertain Times
How to Stress Test Your Nonprofit
Nonprofits are continuing to face existential challenges. How do we continue to achieve our mission through changes in administration and shifts in funding? Stress testing helps nonprofits respond to risk and stay resilient by asking "What if?" questions that identify potential challenges before they become crises. Stress testing is not about predicting the future. It's… Continue reading How to Stress Test Your Nonprofit
Practical Ideas for Inspiring Board Members to be Mission Ambassadors
In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share practical ways to help your board feel confident sharing your mission.
Motivating your team
This episode focuses on the two elements needed to create the conditions for someone to feel motivated to take action. How do you currently motivate your team?
Nonprofit Finance: What Hat Are You Wearing?
This episode focuses on the five finance hats and what responsibilities come with each hat. What is your role related to finance within your nonprofit?
The Superpowers of Small Nonprofits
It's easy to feel that our small nonprofits don't have a lot in the way of power. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah challenge that idea and share some of the comparative advantages that we have as small nonprofit organizations. They go one step further and describe ways to use those advantages to help further… Continue reading The Superpowers of Small Nonprofits
Nonprofit Leader as Coach
Leaders wear many hats. One of those hats is that of coach. A coach guides someone to solve their own challenges by sharing questions, perspectives, or feedback. You can imagine how a nonprofit executive director, board chair, or volunteer manager might step into a coaching role in conversations with team members, board colleagues, or volunteers.… Continue reading Nonprofit Leader as Coach
Rethinking Performance Reviews
The annual performance review is something that can cause stress for both managers and staff members. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah offer some tips and suggestions for rethinking the way you provide feedback and support to your staff or volunteers. They talk about how to reframe the review as something designed to leave each… Continue reading Rethinking Performance Reviews