Creating Our Future with Organizations by Design

Interrupting occurs for a variety of reasons rooted in human communication dynamics. Often, interruptions stem from a strong desire to participate actively in a conversation, where individuals eagerly want to express their thoughts, contribute, or offer insights. Impatience, a sense of knowing what the speaker will say, or a belief that the conversation is moving too slowly can also prompt interruptions. In group settings, people may interrupt to vie for attention and assert themselves, while misunderstandings or anxiety may lead to well-intentioned interruptions to seek clarification or manage social discomfort. Cultural norms and power dynamics also play a role, with some cultures valuing more frequent interruptions or power imbalances influencing conversational dynamics. Ultimately, interruptions are a complex interplay of individual, cultural, and situational factors in our communication interactions. Interrupting someone during a conversation can have various psychological effects...

  Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement,” as the verse states, “For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d.” It’s been many years since I’ve considered myself a practicing Jew. But on this day, I always pause. I take time to examine my relationships and commit to doing what I can to make sure they are right. I look at my relationship with the world, and my role in it, and re-commit my energies to peace and justice. And, I think about my relationship with myself to ensure that I go into this new year with grace and forgiveness, knowing I’m doing the best that I can at this moment. For those observing, have an easy fast. And for all of us, Gmar Chatima Tovah; that you should be sealed for goodness in the end. Barbara

  I’ve had quite a few discussions recently about aging! Even the book my group discussed this month had that as its central focus. I can’t get away from it. Frankly, aging isn’t something I want to avoid! So here’s my latest blog post: Aging Gracefully, Laughing Hysterically: How to Stay Young in Spirit Aging is inevitable, but who says we have to take it too seriously? As the years go by, it's essential to maintain a youthful mindset and embrace the joys of life with laughter. Here are my tips on how to stay young in spirit while growing older (maybe gracefully, but def with a smile.) Embrace Technology (Even if You're Confused): Sure, smartphones, apps, and social media can be overwhelming for those who grew up without them. Embrace your techno-trepidation and laugh at yourself when you accidentally post a selfie upside down or send a text to the wrong person. Remember, it's never too late to become an accidental trendsetter! Find Joy in the Little Things (Like Misplacin...

TL:DR   Adapting nonprofit programs is a necessary step towards building better programs that create sustainable change in the communities we serve. By embracing failure as an opportunity for growth, fostering a culture of learning, seeking stakeholder feedback, and piloting new initiatives, nonprofits can continuously improve their programs and make a greater impact on society. Remember, it is through our failures that we can truly build something remarkable. "The secret of life is to fall seven times and to get up eight times." —   Paulo Coelho Running a nonprofit organization comes with its fair share of challenges and responsibilities. As nonprofits strive to make a positive impact on society, it is essential to continuously evaluate and modify programs to ensure effectiveness and relevance.  As an Interim Director, I often find that programs have been carried simply because "we've always done it that way." During my tenures, I give organizations the opportu...

  Ever since that brilliant teacher Ted Lasso talked about being curious, I've been wanting to write this blog! In a world obsessed with snap judgments and closed-mindedness, it's time to break free from the chains of judgment and embrace the power of curiosity. Curiosity not only expands our horizons but also fuels personal growth and connection. So, let's get edgy and explore why being curious, not judgmental, is the ultimate game-changer. Unleash Your Inner Rebel: Curiosity is rebellion against the status quo. It challenges the norm, defies assumptions, and opens doors to uncharted territories. It's time to ditch the judgmental mindset that holds you back and embrace the audacious power of curiosity. Empathy Starts with Curiosity: Instead of instantly judging others, why not pause and get curious? Curiosity allows us to put ourselves in someone else's shoes, truly understand their story, and cultivate empathy. It's time to trade in our judgmental goggles for...

  When folx ask how I am, I find myself often responding, "busy." And all too often recently, "too busy." I have a simple measure for my busyness. How many pairs of underwear are in my laundry pile. My laundry should have about seven pairs of underwear in it. Today it had 30. And why do I have 30 pairs of underwear? Well, when I'm ridiculously busy, I stop and buy new pairs -- because as mom always said, you must wear clean underwear. How many times have I been overscheduled that I couldn't stop to do laundry, and now have over 30 pairs of underwear!?!? Obviously, 'busy" is not a good response to 'how are you." It means I'm too scheduled to even think about my health - physical and mental. And, if I stopped to think about it, the real response would be something like, "I'm tired. I'm missing my deep connections. I'm away from home too much. I need some rest and fun." One of the casualties of leading a perpetually b...

  Changing my title to Professional Disrupter. As a professional Interim Director, my job is to look at the systems in place in an organization, and figure out if the organization can better serve the clients, staff, and community through change or process improvements. It often means shaking up systems that have been in place, but not necessarily serving those they were meant to serve. Disruption isn’t easy. Change isn’t easy. Heather Simmons wrote, “Those who disrupt their industries change consumer behavior, alter economics, and transform lives.” Disruptor here. Barbara

  No, not that type of language. Working with our coaching clients we often hear phrases used in describing their work that undermines the power of that work, and of the individuals themselves. Let me be clear:  It is incredibly important to be a good communicator at work. Whether you are working through a project with a large team or navigating a complicated issue at work, communication is key.  Do you apologize for sharing your idea? Add a tag at the end of your sentences? Use the words "just" or "feel"? Diminish your opinion by stating "I'm no expert..."? In their article for  WomensMedia ,  8 Tips for Fearless Communication in the Workplace , authors Victoria Simon, PhD, and Holly Pedersen, PhD talk about the effect of adding tag lines to our sentences. Women have a tendency to use ‘weak’ language that serves to water down their message. One example of weak language is using tag lines at the end of sentences. Examples of these are: “This is a great...