This month we conclude a nine month series on Radical IMPACT.  We conclude this series by looking at a serious challenge for many community leaders -- the issue of performance.  Through this article we will explore three areas of performance that not-for-profits should address on a regular basis:  

• Organizational performance,
• Staff performance, and
• Leadership performance.

We all have limits on our time and resources. That is one of the primary reasons we must plan. We must have a method for focusing our time and resoures on those tasks most necessary for accomplishing our mission.

Preparation is a foundational step that is necessary for long-term effectiveness.  Jim Collins, in Good to Great and the Social Sectors notes, “To make the greatest impact on society requires first and foremost a great organization, not a single great program.”   Yet we see so many organizations that in their zeal to serve want to by-pass preparation. 

Centering your organization on principles may be one of the most important foundational tasks you undertake for the long-term health and sustainability of your organization. Being clear about your guiding principles will help you navigate the sea of constant change on which non-profit organizations sail.   

Nonprofit organizations are formed solely for the purpose of serving a purpose of public or mutual benefit.  While many for-profit corporations exist solely for the purpose of creating wealth for the owners or shareholders; nonprofit organizations normally exist to ‘make a difference’ for others.  Even when a nonprofit organization manages to generate a cash surplus or reserve it is channeled back to the organization’s purpose.

This month our focus is on the second foundational 'P' of the P8 RIDE - People. this is not deeply profound, but it is fundamentally true -- it is impossible for an organizaiton to thrive apart from people. And typically, those that work at a nonprofit have a special interest in the success of the organization.

Part 2, of a 9 part series on Radical IMPACT. Learn the definition of passion and how it can be used to build long-lasting IMPACTful organizations.

If you could only use one word to summarize the mission of your organization, what would it be? If you have never taken the time to ponder this point - I encourage you to do so now. Spend a few moments in quiet reflection and let a multitude of words run through your mind. What is the one word that captures the essence of ALL the other things you do? This is harder than it seems and may take much time and reflection to arrive at the place of finding that one word.

Networking is either a valuable marketing tool or a huge waste of time. It all depends upon how you spend your time. Here are nine tips to help you get the most for your time and money. Although written for businesspeople, these tips are also appropriate for nonprofit leaders and managers.