Not-for-Profit & Higher Ed Sector

06/10/2026

Strategy has the best chance to succeed when leaders stay focused upon it and speak out loud about how day-to-day activities support strategy. It is way too easy to get lost in operational activities that keep the organization going but not moving forward.

How leadership teams keep strategy alive through disciplined strategic conversation

06/05/2026

The right policies, processes and procedures are important for effective board governance, but "without the right human dynamics—a collaborative CEO and directors who think like owners and guard their authority—there will be little constructive challenge between independent directors and management, no matter how good a board’s processes are. As a result, the board is likely to fall short of what it could and should be."

Many boards have improved their structures and processes. But to become truly effective stewards of their companies, they must also instill the right mind-set and boardroom dynamics.

06/03/2026

Some deep reflection on the value and challenges of service on a not-for-profit board, including excellent reflections of the strengths and weaknesses of virtual meetings. Zoom meetings are good for updates and transactional matters, and increase participation because they allow greater accessibility. Deep conversation about the most important and/or sensitive board issues, however, is less likely to happen, and multi-tasking means board members can be distracted. https://www.directorsandboards.com/articles/governance/nonprofit-board-service/?shem=rimspwouoe,

06/01/2026

A good checklist for your organization's decision making process. My favorite: " #5 Explicitly consider the equity implications of the decision."

Nonprofits are emphasizing inclusion to make their decision-making processes more effective. For many, it’s also a means to an end of achieving more equitable outcomes.

05/27/2026

"Most strategic goals are written as nouns. Nouns describe outcomes. They don’t tell anyone what to do."

Does “We’ll start next month” sound familiar?

05/26/2026

For the most part, the not-for-profit sector is resisting government interference, with too many exceptions. Social justice organizations are especially vulnerable but are showing considerable agility.

Many nonprofits have been surprisingly successful responding to government attacks on their freedom to operate.

05/13/2026

One very unique American characteristic has been the creation of nonprofit, voluntary associations to do good work that government doesn't do or can't do. It started with libraries, fire departments, and services for the "poor and less fortunate." We have always been do-gooders.

US charitable institutions rapidly changed in the 1780s as Americans established groups to support people in need and to reform society.

05/13/2026

Chairs set the tone and board members must hold each other accountable to norms. This article advises (1) set clear expectations, (2) give feedback early and directly, (3) use structural and procedural levels, and (4) escalate when necessary.”

Boards often struggle not because of strategy or information gaps but because one director’s behavior disrupts how the group works. There are three main types of difficult directors: passive passengers (who remain silent), dominators (who crowd out other perspectives), and misguided experts (who m...

05/13/2026

My favorite from this excellent advice: "Model the culture you wish to see. Culture is not what organizations say, but what leaders do."

What nonprofit leaders can do to keep their best people from walking out the door.

05/11/2026

"Generative governance creates the conditions for boards to invent the future."

The diversity of social-emotional and intellectual capacity at board meetings makes it ever more important for boards to manage their time in an optimal way.