Creating Our Future with Organizations by Design

I have a greater tolerance for change and risk than many of my colleagues. I'm often the among the first to try a new app or adopt a new strategy. Yet, even I tend to defer to the tried and true in communications.  But perhaps taking safe risks in nonprofit communications is about finding that balance between trying something new and ensuring it aligns with your organization's mission and values. In the world of nonprofit organizations, communication is key. It's how we engage with donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, and the community at large. However, in an era where standing out is increasingly challenging, it's important to explore innovative communication strategies that can set your nonprofit apart. In this blog post, we'll delve into the concept of taking safe risks in nonprofit communications and explore how to do it effectively. 1. Embrace a Culture of Innovation Before you can start taking safe risks in your communication strategies, it's essential to ...

  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...

  In general, a decision that stems from any emotion is usually not as sound as one that is based on fact and reason, and perhaps most importantly, your values. Have you had that feeling? The pressure is on. Friends and family are waiting. The bills are mounting. Your self-judgement grows. You finally chose - the car, the apartment, the job. But instead of relief, you feel queasy, uneasy. Thinking it is "only nerves", you move ahead ... but the feeling doesn't go away, instead it intensifies and begins to affect other parts of your life. Can you name that feeling? Fear . When fear begins to control your decision-making abilities, you may notice that not only is your work off-kilter, but your personal life is as well. This occurs when your fear of the future you've chosen becomes so debilitating that you're not able to focus on anything else, even when you try. This is true when you make career decisions out of fear. Sure, the pressures may be mounting to make a c...