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You are here: Home / Archives for 2013

Archives for 2013

October 8, 2013 by Jodi Davis

Achieve Your Potential with Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning is an organization’s process of defining its direction and making decisions on allocating necessary resources to implement the strategy. It is about capturing a vision for the future and then focusing on the essential strategies that move you toward that vision. Whether you are an organization or an individual, planning is a necessary part of achieving your potential.

For the Individual

In my book The Promise of Potential, individuals are guided through a four-step process to strategically achieve their personal vision: I AM, I NEED, I WANT, I WILL.

Focusing on a vision (I WANT) is what energizes and motivates us. Knowing we have the natural talent to achieve our vision (I AM) is what propels us to work towards our goal. Understanding the steps to strategically move forward (I NEED) is also necessary. But the commitment to action (I WILL) is where the rubber meets the road! These simple steps form a proven process for taking an individual from where they are now to where they want to be.

For the Organization

I recently facilitated a strategic planning process for a highly successful community foundation. It was an awesome experience to see the 25-member board navigate through a five-step methodology: Discover – Evaluate – Imagine – Choose – Focus. Our pre-work included understanding the organization’s history, current position, challenges and questions for the future (Discover). We assessed strengths, competition, resources and needs (Evaluate) and before coming together for our facilitated planning session where we visualized the future (Imagine) and developed a strategic plan.

The excitement in the room was palpable as every board member began to see possibilities for their organization. The group bonded around a unifying theme for their future—a vision that motivated them to do the next critical steps in the process. They articulated and prioritized alternative strategies that could help them achieve their vision (Choose) and finally, they developed action plans for the top priorities that would yield the biggest impact (Focus).

The organizational planning process we used was analogous to the course of action recommended for individuals. Defining what needs to be done and focusing on a commitment to action is imperative for individuals and organizations. Both methodologies ignite possibilities and unleash motivation. They begin with a magnetic vision that keeps you focused on the desired goal.

Planning for the future must be strategic, but it can also be simple. What are your personal or organizational possibilities? If you can dream it, you can achieve it.  We would welcome the opportunity to help you achieve your potential. Let’s talk!

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Filed Under: Strategic Planning

September 16, 2013 by Jodi Davis

Structure your Board for Success

Nonprofit boards must create an effective structure together with the policies and procedures that support good governance.  Board structure is one-fifth of the Pentagon of Performance—an instrument developed by JD Coaching and Consulting after conducting extensive research on board performance.  High-performing boards with an effective report more engagement and enhanced collaboration from their members.

Structure is more than just the size of your board; to be efficient and successful, boards must create a strong committee structure and meeting framework to ensure the board’s time is utilized well.

Questions to address:

  • How large should your board be?
  • How many board committees should exist to be most effective?
  • How long should a board member serve?
  • How can your board organize its meeting to be most efficient?
  • How often should meetings be held and how long should they be?
  • How do you ensure the discussions taking place in your board’s meetings are of quality and helping promote the mission, vision and assets of the organization your board’s serves?

What does your board need to improve its structure?  JD Coaching & Consulting has helped numerous nonprofit boards evaluate and design the appropriate structure for achieving their potential.  If you are interested in learning more you can request a copy of our benchmark study.

 

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Filed Under: High Performance, Nonprofits

August 1, 2013 by Jodi Davis

Unleashing Employee Potential

My very best boss asked me a powerful question when I joined her company: “What can I do to help you be successful?” At first, I was taken aback that this entrepreneurial business owner was offering to help me do my job, but then she simply stated, “Your success is my success!”

That conversation happened nearly 20 years ago. Since then, I’ve come to realize the value of that philosophy. When you invest in people, there is a definitive ROI—a return on individual—that translates to the bottom line. Investment in people is inextricably linked to performance.

Because my manager encouraged me to develop myself further, I worked harder to achieve results. It’s clear: invest in your people, and they will invest in you.  There are many ways to invest in and empower employees – recognition strategies, training programs, coaching and mentoring are all ways to show individuals you value them.

Formal education and on-the-job training can be enhanced with specialized programs including sales training, communications workshops, client-relationship-management techniques and training for working in a multicultural or multi-generational environment. Nonprofit clients often opt for donor-engagement training and board sessions on fundraising and community relations. These are great opportunities to invest in training so that your organization can thrive and you can achieve your full potential.

As the economy grows stronger and the job market becomes more welcoming, employees will have more choices. Investing in their development is a proven way to increase retention. If you want high performance from individuals, lift them up—don’t beat them down. Light a fire in them, not under them.

How do you show your employees they are valued? How do you coach and develop new leaders? We welcome the opportunity to explore possibilities for unleashing your employees full potential. Let’s keep the conversation going.

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Filed Under: Career, High Performance

July 25, 2013 by Jodi Davis

Empower Your Board with Education

Board performance is inextricably linked to a nonprofit’s success. The board has a weighty responsibility to safeguard the mission, vision and assets of the organization they serve. This is only possible when board members understand their role and the primary facets of the agency. They must be educated in the following categories:

  • History and programs
  • Strategy
  • Current situation
  • Governance role
  • Fiduciary responsibility
  • Fundraising and development

High performing boards have an effective process for on-boarding and educating new members. They also invest in periodic continuing education. So what are you doing to make sure the individuals on your board have the knowledge they need to not only fulfill their role as part of a board of directors, but to feel fulfilled as well?

JD Coaching and Consulting developed the Pentagon of Performance after conducting an extensive survey on board performance. Education is one-fifth of a framework that measures the strength of nonprofit boards. Let’s explore the various dimensions of the Pentagon of Performance and how it could further develop your board. Request a copy of our Nonprofit Board Performance benchmark study.

Would you be interested in assessing how your board measures against high-performing boards? Contact us to learn more.

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Filed Under: High Performance, Nonprofits

May 30, 2013 by Jodi Davis

Collaboration: How Does Your Board of Directors Rank?

Collaboration has a wide-ranging, comprehensive influence on your board of directors. When we talk about collaboration, we are not only referring to the ability of your directors to work together, but also to your board’s ability to work effectively with executive management, organizational stakeholders and the community.

There is a strong link between board collaboration, composition and overall board effectiveness. At its core, collaboration is about individuals working together for a common purpose. Do you have the right individuals in place? And are you giving them the tools they need to collaborate effectively?

Improving board collaboration involves setting clear expectations and providing board training on the importance of involvement and advocacy. It also means building consensus, commitment and a community of support. Although these involve your board as a whole, the true essence of collaboration starts with the individual.

JD Coaching and Consulting developed the Pentagon of Performance – a model for board performance – after conducting an extensive survey on board effectiveness. Collaboration is one-fifth of a framework that measures the strength of nonprofit boards. Request a copy of our benchmark study on Nonprofit Board Performance.

How does the collaboration of your board measure against high-performing boards? Contact JD Coaching and Consulting to learn more.

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Filed Under: High Performance, Nonprofits

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