Strategic planning loves its acronyms. And few get tossed around more casually—or confused more often—than KPIs and OKRs. They sound alike, show up in the same conversations, and occasionally spark more debate than they probably deserve. But here’s the truth:…
If you’ve ever sat in a board meeting and thought, “Why are we spending 20 minutes debating font sizes on the gala invitation?” — this one’s for you. Micromanagement is the boardroom version of helicopter parenting. It often comes from…
Let’s get one thing clear: board orientation is not a nice-to-have—it’s a must. It’s more than a welcome packet or a PowerPoint at the first meeting. Orientation is a strategic investment in your board’s effectiveness, your organization’s stability, and the…
Introduction: Calculated Risks for Lasting Success For boards, taking risks can feel daunting—but avoiding them altogether is often a greater gamble. As organizations evolve, boards must consider bold moves that keep them relevant and innovative. However, not all risks are…
Introduction: Why Taking Risks is Essential for Boards James Cameron once said: “NASA has this phrase that they like: ‘Failure is not an option.’ But failure has to be an option in art and in exploration, because it’s a leap…
Associations offer various intangible benefits that are not easily quantifiable or physically tangible. Here are ten examples of such intangible benefits provided by associations: Remember, the specific intangible benefits offered by an association can vary depending on its focus, industry,…
Imagine going to the doctor with a broken leg, only to have them steer the conversation toward your eating habits. While it’s true that addressing weight issues could have broader health benefits and potentially reduce the risk of future injuries,…
Many people involved in the non-profit sector have generous hearts and strive to make a positive impact on the world, which is truly commendable. Despite this, it is important to distinguish when generosity crosses the line, where decisions are more…
I recently encountered a frustrating experience while applying for membership in a professional society. The application instructions on their website were arranged numerically but needed reordering. Adding to the confusion, the entire website needed more specific information. Seeking clarification, I…
As I sat outside my Uncle Jim’s hospice room, I talked to many people who came to say their goodbyes – they were colleagues, golfing buddies, and of course family. As I sat with them in the waiting room, I…
"Happy new year!" I love saying this. The new year brings the opportunity for growth, renewal, and in some cases a reset. As we just turned the calendar to a new year, I got to thinking about the significance of this and the opportunities that we have to wish our staff and volunteer leaders a happy new year.
Think of a location across town, a grocery store, for example. There is probably more than one way to get there. There’s a short way, a long way, the scenic way, and the way with the most traffic, etc. None…
A basic guide for writing regular and executive session minutes
Anyone who knows me knows I love a trip to the nail salon. I not only like the finished look, but I enjoy the experience. When I get my nails done (fingers and toes!), I want a spa experience. As…
I was surprised to learn that although the group of professionals participating in this meeting were from a broad range of association industries, they had ALL been feeling a shortage of volunteers. So, before our time ended, I thought it prudent to...
How many of y’all are using first and last name only in your meeting minutes? Or gasp! First name only? Stop it! I know, I know, you have a fun group and making this too formal might stifle things. But…
How do Boards let their committees know about actions that came out of a Board meeting? Well, some Boards have committee chairs who sit on the Board. For example, the Director of Membership is likely a Board member and the…
Ack! You’ve got your first meeting coming up and you haven’t the slightest clue about making a motion! Not to worry. While advance motion making can be complex, most people and meetings don’t operate at that level. So, let’s go…
Documents, documents and more documents! There are so many important documents that guide a non-profit, but what if there’s conflict between them? Well, firstly, there shouldn’t be, but if there is, then default to the hierarchy! You may find the…
As the Executive Director, President, or lead volunteer, you are regularly approached by people with “good ideas” that the association should take on. Managing these requests are essential to avoid mission creep but to also avoid squashing enthusiasm. The idea…
