On Linked In, I recently described the NFP CEO role as similar to the Deputy Minister of a government department, except they report to a board of 13 instead of one Minister, have 3 staff instead of 3,000 and the same scope of work. A colleague replied, “terrifyingly accurate!” 1. Reporting Relationships and Decision-Making Yes, I … Read more
You’ve finally taken the plunge and hired a senior staff member, after years or decades of being proudly all-volunteer. Perhaps the leadership volunteers were burning out, or the organization grew too much too fast. Do you heave a sigh of relief, delegate a few tasks and carry on as before? Not if you want to … Read more
In my prior blog, I listed some of the main options facing a struggling charity. Let’s turn now to who might lead the consideration of such major changes, and what the decision-making process might involve. Leadership Options All the analysis below assumes the internal individuals involved are skilled, competent and dedicated to the mission. And … Read more
Many Canadian charities were already struggling to meet rising needs. They certainly didn’t need a postal strike during their biggest fundraising time of the year. [Update: or a big increase in postal rates right afterwards!] Even though many donors now give online, many of the older and more generous donors wait for a letter and … Read more
I recently heard of a not-for-profit (NFP) chair who told media representatives that the board supported a CEO who had just been accused of serious wrong-doing, and the CEO would be staying. The board had not met! To me, that chair clearly overstepped and had zero authority to speak for the board.