What enables the best nonprofits to create lasting social change? This tool, excerpted from “Creating High-Impact Nonprofits” published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, lays out six non-profit best practices shared by the most successful non-profit organizations. The secret to their success lies in how they mobilize every sector of society – government, business, nonprofits, …
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This tool reveals the major advantages and disadvantages of eight methods for entering into a new business or expanding an old one. This tool is often used in conjunction with “New Market Entry Strategies.” Here are eight ways to expand business: 1. Internal Development Advantages: uses existing resources avoids acquisition cost (especially if unfamiliar with …
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In passing the leadership torch at a non-profit organization, I was asked to name the things that effective Board presidents do. Here’s my list: Facilitate and preside over the Board meetings, starting on time, ending on time, keeping the conversation on topic, calling on people who are quiet, trying to engage everyone. Model the behaviorsb …
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When Boards of Directors form committees, it is important to be clear about the committees’ purpose and role, as well as the role of committee members. In general, the purpose of committees is to be an extension of the Board of Directors. They gather information, generate options, and develop reports and recommendations for the full …
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Organizations need a clear governance framework to function effectively. The framework should clarify the role of the governing body – and the role of staff. This tool provides an example of a governance framework that can help agencies achieve a high level of performance. Governing boards clearly have ultimate decision-making authority for everything under their …
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When a Board of Directors serves in a governing capacity (e.g. for a non-profit, a public agency, or a corporation), the Board needs to act in certain ways in order to assure high levels of performance throughout the organization. This tool lays out the five habits of high-performing governing boards. Learn more about facilitating the adoption …
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This tool shows how to define a competitive strategy that will distinguish you from your competitors and enable your company to win and maintain market share. It employs a multi-step process that asks leaders to answer a logical series of questions related to the competition. Among other things, it results in an analysis of potential …
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Establishing good vision in an organization is the key to sharpening focus. A statement of vision says, “here’s our direction, here’s where we’re going, and here’s how we’re going to change the world.” This tool defines a successful vision and provides examples of good vision statements. (Updated for 2021) Successful Vision Vision is not simply …
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This article describes the characteristics of strategic thinking and planning. It lays out a series of strategic questions, recommendations, and strategic options. It shows the traps to avoid. We recommend this as an excellent guide to all strategic planning processes. Introduction to Strategic Thinking If you want to think strategically, we advise that you start …
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This tool concisely defines nine types of strategy. It lists the factors that should drive an organization’s choice of strategy and includes helpful hints guide your choice of strategy. This is an extremely useful tool to use as part of a strategic planning process. The type of strategy you ultimately choose is driven by these …
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