Dr. Haycock holds an MBA, MEd and AMLS in addition to a doctorate in leadership and management. He has been on the senior leadership teams of large school boards and multi-million-dollar associations as well as chairing small arts and association boards. Currently research professor (honorary) at the University of Southern California, he is former director and professor emeritus at both San Jose State University and the University of British Columbia. Ken lives in Vancouver, British Columbia and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
You're Too Nice!
Governance as LeadershipIssue 128 - September 03, 2024 In This Issue:
Sadly, moving to high performance as a board, and as an organization, can be hindered by a culture of “niceness,” conflict-avoidance, and victimization. Not-for-profit agencies uniquely assume that politeness trumps effectiveness. Everyone needs to be and appear to be, “polite”. Another board member may feel uncomfortable if questioned or even take umbrage. Your Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director may express concern that you do not trust them if you question and challenge them. We need to get over this. Read on here.
In the Boardroom... Culture Counts!Board culture reflects the human side of governance: the written and unwritten rules that influence how the board operates. How can a group of intelligent individuals sometimes act so foolishly when they join together as a board? Or a group with varying degrees of talent become an exceptional board? Association governance consultant Nancy Axelrod explores the relationship between board performance and board cultures that promote trust, teamwork, candor, and constructive conflict, while urging CEOs and chairs to become “chief board development officers.” An interesting read Who else is interested in Governance as Leadership? Share this newsletter with others! Why Not Take a Full Sabbatical? Have You Thought About It?One of the most important things we can do in nonprofits is show our staff how much we value them. It's very important to retain great workers, and it is hugely inefficient to lose high-performing employees. There are a number of tools executive directors have at their disposal to recruit and retain great employees. We should provide coaching, mentorship, support, training, and, in a perfect world, health benefits. Obviously, compensation packages matter, but for some employees, that isn't the number one priority. One way we can compete with the private sector, larger nonprofits, and government employers is to listen to our employees and create opportunities for people to take extended time off, especially for those who have been there through thick and thin. Read more about it below and grab a sample sabbatical policy here. Does your organization have a sabbatical? Let me know.
Think of a topic we missed? We love hearing from you! Please contact me and let me know what resources will help you most. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Join us on social media! |
Ken Haycock
Dr. Haycock holds an MBA, MEd and AMLS in addition to a doctorate in leadership and management. He has been on the senior leadership teams of large school boards and multi-million-dollar associations as well as chairing small arts and association boards. Currently research professor (honorary) at the University of Southern California, he is former director and professor emeritus at both San Jose State University and the University of British Columbia. Ken lives in Vancouver, British Columbia and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Governance as Leadership Issue 129 - September 10, 2024 In This Issue: ON THE BLOG: CEO or Executive Director? Does it Matter? Getting Your Fundraising Back on Track Shaping Tomorrow's Talent Agenda You have a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Yes, you really do. You may not want to admit it – too corporate! You may call the position something else – commonly Executive Director, General Manager, Managing Director, Chief Librarian, Superintendent…But the person is still your CEO. Here’s why. Read...
Governance as Leadership Issue 127 - August 27, 2024 In This Issue: ON THE BLOG: 10 Critical Questions Boards Need to Ask Themselves: Move Your Board from "Not-for-Profit" to "For Impact" Guides and Templates to Build Financial Capacity The Power of Impact Storytelling So here are my 10 Critical Questions Boards Need to Ask Themselves for you to consider. Many of them would be useful topics for conversation around the Board table. Read on here. Humanity Financial Options Make the Difference...
Governance as Leadership Issue 126 - August 20, 2024 In This Issue: NEW BLOG: What is Your Board Role? What is Your Board Responsibility? Ready to Board: CEO-Board Communication Nonprofit KPI's to Focus On For Efficiency and Growth Let’s make an assumption -- you are a policy governance board, the most common (at least in stated intention) and the most effective (when implemented well). Read on here. Ready to Board: CEO - Board Communication In the face of unprecedented change and disruption,...