This tool describes an eight step process improvement plan. Each step is defined, along with hints for ensuring quality of execution in each phase. This is an invaluable tool for leaders who want to improve a business process and assure themselves of success from planning through implementation. Hint: This tool is best used in conjunction …
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I work with a lot of Boards of Directors for public agencies, corporations, nonprofits. Typically, my focus is on helping these Board develop a high-level performance scorecard that the Board can rely on for measuring the organization’s performance. This, in turn, will accelerate the organization to attain higher levels of performance. The important thing about …
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One tool you can use to ensure you find the right people is “behavior-based interviewing.” It starts with writing down the behaviors that are most important for success in a particular job – not the tasks. Managing a team, motivating people, developing under-performers, starting a line of business, engaging people in change – these all …
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This tool lists five keys to organizational strategy based on research into what successful leaders do. Leaders can use this as a checklist to make sure they have considered all the crucial questions in building and managing their business. The Five Keys 1. The business domain is clearly defined – in terms of the customer’s …
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This checklist details the ten keys to organizational success. It is based on research conducted during the past 20 years on companies that became the leaders in their industries. This list serves as a checklist for business leaders and executives. This tool also includes a list of six things that unsuccessful companies do. 1. Create …
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Non-profit Boards of Directors typically follow an evolutionary path as the organization matures. This tool lays out three stages of Board evolution and identifies the characteristic behaviors of each stage. This tool can apply to public agencies, city councils, non-profits, and co-ops. Board members can use this tool to help clarify their role and adapt …
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This tool spells out ten important responsibilities of a Non-Profit Board of Directors. Board members – and staff – can use this tool to make sure their boards stay on track. Keep in mind that the Board governs the organization – not individual Board members. Board members need to work together to fulfill these responsibilities. …
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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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