I read about a 3rd grade teacher, I’ll call her Ms. Smarts, who took an unusual approach. At the start of each school year she put aside the lesson plans. She ignored the usual curriculum. Instead, for the first three months she worked at nurturing her students. Ms. Smarts cared about their self-esteem, teamwork, and …
Category Archives: Leader at the Center
Leader @ the Center
I loved Suzi the first time I met her. She was a new employee and the youngest person in the room. Yet, there was something about her. Wherever she was things were happening. As I worked with her on several different projects, I began to see what it was that made her so special. Suzi …
The Lonely Model
The Executive Director (sometimes called Chief Executive Officer, like their for-profit counterparts) is isolated. As the sole leader of an organization, they are stuck between the board and the staff. Yes, stuck. Who can they talk to? Share ideas with? Take risks with? Exploring, and even failing, are essential parts of leadership. But in a …
It’s not someone’s job, it’s everyone’s job.
Imagine how much more powerful your organization would be if you multiplied the number of people who felt prepared and empowered to talk about the organization’s vision! The more people spreading the word, the more donors, volunteers, and advocates you have. Simple math says it makes sense. Why don’t organizations work this way now? Change …
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Step UP! You are a Leader
Not in a leadership role yet? No problem. I want to share with you the secret I discovered that changed my life. When you have the opportunity to raise your hand and get involved, do it. I was frustrated in work and volunteer roles. I wanted action. I wanted change. Then I discovered how to …