One of the things we talk about in our practice is the importance of accepting, and in fact, seeking out feedback, both positive and negative. Without feedback, you have no idea of how your project, idea, or behavior is impacting others. Feedback is also an important part of your strategic plan, for without it, you…
Takeaways: 1) Age demographics and volunteer burn-out are dilemmas for member-based non-profit organizations, 2) Why clear and concise communication is paramount, 3) Why change must be embraced with a revolutionary approach. Member-based non-profits inherently are subject to the dreaded disease of volunteer burn-out. As I scan the world for member-based non-profits and consider their membership…
Takeaways: Desired State and Vision are two powerful tools for helping to build cohesive teams. The subtle differences can be used effectively depending on the situation. The other day I was coaching a friend about what can be done in the shortest amount of time to help her build a cohesive board. I suggested that…
Let’s talk about justifying the recent Baltimore looting and violence. I pose the following example of not using Systems Thinking, and invite your remarks. While listening to the news about the Baltimore looting, I caught a piece where an African-American man was interviewed about the looting. This situation was triggered by the suspicious death of…
Jeri Denniston, Chief Marketing Strategist, Denner Group International Takeaways: Peaks and Valleys are normal and natural in life and work. Create a sensible vision using all five senses and then follow it to move out of the Valleys. When in a valley, ask yourself: “What is the truth about this reality?” To stay longer at…
By Jeri Denniston, Chief Marketing Strategist, Denner Group International Takeaways: Spelling and grammar are important. Computers and texting have changed how we communicate. We’re raising a generation of people who don’t spell or use proper sentence construction and think it’s OK. Remember the IBM Selectric or the portable typewriter? Those of us who remember typewriters…
By Jeri Denniston, Chief Marketing Strategist, Denner Group International Takeaways: Innovation is about unleashing the creativity at the bottom to encourage truly innovative ideas and solutions. Rethink leadership roles as those of connectors, social architects and aggregators of ideas. Act your way to the future rather than plan. Linda Hill, Management Professor at Harvard Business…
By Jeri Denniston, Chief Marketing Strategist, Denner Group International Takeaways: Engaging volunteers through social media offers many opportunities to motivate and inspire volunteers to support your organization. Focus on their interests and skill sets to design activities that will engage them more. Last year I wrote a short article about Ten Ways to Engage Staff…
By Jeri Denniston, Chief Marketing Strategist, Denner Group International Takeaways: Being mindful of what you say and do leads to better communication and clarity of thought and actions. Mindfulness is similar to following the Five Agreements, which help you focus on being present in the moment and being conscious of the words you use to…
By Eric Denniston, Managing Director, Denner Group International Takeaways: Review of ten trends for managing change in a practical context. Think more clearly about the impact of the trends. Consider if any external help can improve your performance. Refocus on the speed of change and the need for greater agility in adapting to changes. While…
