Insights

adaptive planning
Strategy

Adaptive Planning Will Keep Your Strategic Plan Relevant

In an ever-changing landscape, nonprofit leaders must be prepared to adapt. Adaptive planning goes beyond traditional strategic planning by equipping organizations with the flexibility to pivot when new challenges or opportunities arise. This article explores the key differences between strategic and adaptive planning, why adaptability is essential for long-term success, and practical tools—like the strategy screen and strategic foresight—to help leaders make informed decisions. By integrating adaptive planning into their strategy, nonprofits can maximize opportunities, minimize risks, and build a more resilient future.

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nonprofit board relationships
Board of Directors

Your Board of Directors is Failing Because Distributed Leadership Doesn’t Exist—And a Focus on Relationships Will Help Solve This Crisis

Nonprofit boards often struggle with engagement and leadership, leaving executives to shoulder most of the responsibilities. The solution lies not in managing tasks but in fostering relationships that promote distributed leadership, where collaboration and shared accountability flourish. By investing in building trust and understanding board members’ unique contributions, organizations can empower their boards to lead effectively and drive sustainable growth.

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succession planning
Leadership

Distributed Leadership as a Tool to Take Succession Planning to the Next Level

The social sector continues to face leadership gaps. Many leaders left the sector entirely during the pandemic and baby boomers continue to retire. Compounding this challenge, our sector is inherently complex—we tackle multifaceted problems and need teams that can navigate and sustain impact despite these intricacies.
Integrating a distributed leadership model throughout our organizations can be a key strategy for effective succession planning. By moving beyond traditional hierarchical structures and adopting a more collaborative approach, organizations can nurture leadership capabilities at all levels. This not only prepares individuals to take on greater responsibilities but also enhances the organization’s resilience and ability to manage transitions seamlessly.

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dstributed leadership five person by table
Leadership

Distributed Leadership is Your Answer to Staff Engagement.  And some Tips to Operationalize It!

Research in the for-profit sector shows that distributed leadership is slowly gaining more traction because it creates greater staff engagement, which is key in retaining staff. It has many other advantages, including shared decision-making and a host of things that create a culture closely aligned with the values many nonprofits hold dear. This article explores what distributed leadership is, how it is different from a more hierarchical structure, and why it may be key to increasing staff engagement.

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