Updated: Apr 25
by Tom Iselin
“America’s Best Board Retreat Facilitator”
Hi, Tom Iselin, here . . . and welcome to First Things First
This is Day 9 of Boot Camp—A Leadership Guide to Building a Gold Standard Nonprofit.
Today, I’m going to continue my discussion on the topic of authentic passion and share a tip on how you can keep this principle fresh in people’s minds.
Okay, let me get started by asking a couple of questions: How many of your board members can explain your vision? How many can articulate a convincing “case for support?” How many staff and volunteers can recite your mission and core values?
The truth is, people learn, but then they forget. Most of us have trouble remembering anniversaries and dentist appointments, let alone material from work and our pet nonprofits.
If you want authentic passion to remain front and center in the minds of your staff, board, and volunteers, you need to “remind” them. There is no need to make a big production out of the process; simply set aside time, on a regular basis, to talk about your mission, vision, and culture.
For example, once a month, you could ask your program director to recite your mission at a staff meeting. Your executive director could write one of your core values at the top of a board meeting agenda. And your volunteer coordinator could explain your vision at a volunteer training session . . . You could even discuss the topic of “culture” at your next strategic planning session to determine how well board and staff members are reflecting the culture the claim to espouse.
L>What’s most important is making an effort to REMIND people of your mission, vision, purpose, and culture on a REGULAR basis. If you don’t, the authentic passion you worked so hard to build will get dusty and stale.
Believe me, you’ll know authentic passion is alive and well at your nonprofit when you hear board members say things such as, “Will this new program align with our vision?” Your office manager says, “What additional responsibilities can I take on to help with fundraising?” Or, your program director says, “Will another therapist really help fulfill our mission more effectively?” When you start hearing statements like this, smile----you’re on the right authentic passion track.
Well, that’s it for today. Tune in next week, when I’ll talk about how authentic passion can become a contagious virus you’ll want to spread. Until then, remember to do what’s right for your nonprofit, not what’s convenient or easy! Whooya!
Until then, remember to do what’s right for your nonprofit, not what’s convenient or easy! Whooya!
And don’t forget to write me. Ask me a question or tell me what you’d like see on the show. Until next week . . .
That’s it for today. If you enjoyed the show, . . . then like it and share it! And tune in next week for Day 5 of Boot Camp, where you’ll learn how to transform “lip-service” passion into authentic passion.
Until then, create a great day! . . . Whooya!
Tom Iselin
“America’s Best Board Retreat and Strategic Planning Facilitator”
Finding the Best Strategic Planning Facilitator – 7 Things to Look For
Find the Best Board Develop Facilitator and Trainer - 9 Things to Look For
Check out Tom's latest books on culture, nonprofit management, and fundraising
Tom's YouTube Channel: The Nonprofit Mentor
Tom's Podcast: The Fundraising Coach
Tom's Podcast: The Nonprofit Mentor
About First Things First
Tom Iselin has built four sector-leading nonprofits and four foundations. He’s written six books, sits on six boards, and hosts a video blog and podcast. Each year, Tom speaks to more than 5,000 nonprofit leaders at conferences across the country. He is considered America's best board retreat and strategic planning facilitator and is a leading authority on high-performance nonprofits, and his impact on the industry has been featured on CNN, Nightline, and in Newsweek.
Tom is the president of First Things First, a business specializing in board development retreats, strategic planning, fundraising, executive coaching, and speaking. To relax, he loves mountain biking, hiking, skiing, tennis, and baking.
If you’re in the hunt for the best board retreat/board development facilitation, or the best strategic planning facilitation, it would be a privilege to learn more about your organization and the aspirations you hope to achieve as you work to propel your noble mission. Jot me an email to set up a meet-and-greet call.
To learn more, visit:
858.888.2278
Looking for answers?
I’m here to help. Contact me . . .
TomIselin@gmail.com, or 858.888.2278