What’s in store for your organization in 2012? Volatility, multiplicity, versatility and mobility. At least that’s what Gartner’s analysts say is coming in 2012. Volatility In chemistry, volatility is the measure of the tendency of a substance to vaporize. What a great analogy for today’s business culture. In society, it means all the variables that … [Read more…]
How can we add social media to our plates when we have so much to do? This is a common statement from nonprofit employees. They don’t want another task. They already have too much to do. So how can they simplify their work? The answer is simple: You have too much to do because you … [Read more…]
It takes courage to move out of the comfort zone! So many nonprofit associations and their boards have adopted a risk averse environment. They see little incentive to change or experiment. In the coming three to ten years, those organizations that stay the course will not succeed. Those that refuse to think differently, quickly and … [Read more…]
These top ten strategic technology trends will affect your organization in 2012. Will you be prepared to take advantage of them? Gartner’s analysts presented these trends at the October 2011 Symposium/ITxpo. They suggest that organization leaders should consider this list now in their strategic planning process. Defining Strategic Technology What is strategic technology? According to … [Read more…]
These Gartner predictions highlight the trends and disruptive events that will reshape the nature of business for the next four years. They focus on changes in the role that technology plays in business performance, our personal and professional lives, and in the global economy. Gartner evaluated more than 100 predictions based on audience appeal, impact … [Read more…]
Two things I know for certain. Change is the constant today and continues to accelerate. Our nonprofit associations are dynamic, complex systems embedded within an even more dynamic, complex übersystem: human society. Six Changing Association Contexts Technological innovations have radically changed our übersystem, human society, in at least six ways. (Wiley, 2006). Society continues to … [Read more…]
Are we witnessing a digital revolution? Or digital evolution? Can we simply adapt and apply old skills to new contexts? Or do we need to learn new ways of thinking, doing and being? One thing is certain. Our nonprofit institutions are dynamic, complex systems embedded within an even more dynamic, complex übersystem: human society. The … [Read more…]
I have devoted more than twenty years of my adult life to nonprofits and associations. I have spent countless hours volunteering my time to help nonprofits succeed. I have given many staff hours to helping an industry progress. When a nonprofit works, it is a thing of beauty. It is uniquely able to do radical … [Read more…]
It’s an association migraine of the worst kind. The tension is as thick as a dense fog. It’s at an all time record threat level. It’s like mixing oil and water. Some try to label this tension as one of two traditional categories: threat or opportunity. Others say it requires more than identification. This dynamic tension … [Read more…]
(Here are some of my notes from Cynthia D’Amour’s Lazy Leader Road Show “Creating A Surplus Of Volunteers” which recently stopped in Dallas.) Martyr leader volunteers! Our organizations are rife with them. They are the survival strategy for many nonprofits. Yet, focusing on them can actually kill an organization. The Awful Truth About Our Current Volunteer … [Read more…]
