Creating Our Future with Organizations by Design

  I had the amazing opportunity to join with the Ramapough Lenape Nation in a sacred ritual in a sweat lodge this weekend. The structure is the lodge, and the ceremony performed within the structure may be called by some cultures a purification ceremony or simply a sweat. The sweat is a spiritual ceremony – it is for prayer and healing, and it is only to be led by Indigenous Elders who know the language, songs, traditions, and safety protocols of their culture's inherited tradition. Without going in the reason I was in the sweat lodge, I do want to share some thoughts that came to me as a result of the experience - some answers to questions percolating around in my mind, specifically about change. I've long known that the fear of change is a complex and multifaceted human emotion that can affect people from various backgrounds and privilege levels. What became so clear to me, however, is that it's true that change can be perceived differently by those who are privileged a...

An Interim Executive Director's most important job is to prepare an organization to work with the incoming permanent CEO/ED. A good interim executive deals with the day-today affairs of the organization, while at the same time building the platform for the permanent successor. Unlike an Acting Director, an Interim is a professional external to the organization, will not be a candidate for the permanent position, and does more than hold the organization in place. When an organization's Executive Director resigns, the board's first impulse is to find a replacement as quickly as possible. But that’s not always the wisest course of action. Interim Executive Directors keep an organization going when an executive leader leaves. Each organization is unique. They need someone at the helm who understands and is passionate about the mission, can navigate the many constraints on services; can relate to all the different personalities involved, and can do it all within the organization...

  Most people will leave several jobs during their career. Some are happy separations and some aren't, but whatever the circumstances under which you leave, it can be difficult to say goodbye. It's important to understand that, in the process of leaving, not only are you saying goodbye to co-workers, but also routines, places, projects that you've poured your blood, sweat and tears into, familiarity, even parking attendants and coffee baristas. Leaving a job can be just as trying as ending a romance. Career changes involve a good deal more stress, friction, disruption, and risk than simply staying on a more linear, traditional career path. When a good change happens, by your own accord or through job transitions, accept it with grace - for yourself and for others. You may not believe you deserve it, or you just may not be ready for it, even if it was of your choosing, but the way to move forward and get the most out of it is to embrace the positivity, however it shows up. L...

  Can you pick one word that defines how you want to act, who you want to be, what you want to accomplish in the next year? One word. Crazy idea? No, it's not. Truly, if you sit quietly and allow yourself the space, that word will come to you. It'll be the word that makes sense of your life, that provides focus, that energizes you.  C'mon. Give it a try. Is your word grace? discipline? ambition? risk? kindness? curiosity? desire? fun? relaxed? bold? authentic? My word for 2021 is Courage.  Courage to take risks try new things have brave conversations make massive changes trust myself. I've been surprised, in just these first few days of 2021, the amount of clarity my word provides. It energizes me and provides focus.  I've stated it publicly - here and on other sites. I'm committed to it. I ask friends and colleagues to hold me to it. So here's to my courageous year -- and your ________(fill in the blank) year! Cheers! Barbara Organizations by Design