Authentic Passion - Get it Done!
- Tom Iselin
- Jul 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Authentic Passion - Get it Done!
Learn how to turn "lip service" passion into "authentic passion" at your nonprofit in order to create a "Get it Done!" do something, I'm in, culture. Specifically, this video covers the tactic of "reminding" people of the authentic passion principle they worked so hard to establish.
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.
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!
Tom Iselin
“One of America’s Best Board Retreat and Strategic Planning Facilitators”
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About the Author
Tom Iselin is recognized as one of America’s leading authorities on high-performance nonprofits. He has built nine sector-leading nonprofits and two software companies, written six books, sits on multiple boards, and has been rated one of America’s Best Board Retreat and Strategic Planning Facilitators. His work on nonprofit strategy, board leadership, and culture has been featured on CNN, Nightline, and in Newsweek.
Tom is the president of First Things First, a firm specializing in board retreats, strategic planning services, fundraising strategy, and executive coaching for nonprofit CEOs.
Board Retreats & Strategic Planning
If you’re looking for a board retreat facilitator or strategic planning facilitator who has been in the trenches and understands real-world nonprofit challenges, Tom can help your board gain clarity, build alignment, and create an actionable plan that improves performance and impact. His sessions propel organizations to the next level of performance and impact . . . and they're fun!
Board Retreats and Strategic Planning Services:
858.888.2278
