Posted on Tuesday, 29th September 2009 by chris wignall

Again this week I’ve had conversations about the need for charities to find new ways to generate revenue. I really believe that if we can’t find our way past being entirely dependant on donors we are putting our future at risk. During a meeting last night one strong leader referred to the idea that non-profits [...]

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Posted on Friday, 21st August 2009 by chris wignall

Another couple conversations with another couple young leaders from another couple organizations that are trying to do meaningful work for the benefit of serious and significant issues. And once again, we found ourselves about the challenge of dealing with a board of directors. My observation: people who start things, especially when they are young adults, [...]

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Posted on Friday, 24th April 2009 by chris wignall

Taking part in an excellent seminar today at the Tyndale Centre for Leadership. Peter Dickens from The Iris Group is talking about strategic planning. He’s very good. We’ve spent some time talking about Core Values. Peter makes a strong case that values needs to be the starting point of developing vision. This is contrary to [...]

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Posted on Thursday, 23rd April 2009 by chris wignall

How can we connect our donors with our vision in a meaningful way? Every nonprofit leader I meet with wants more than just dollars from donors; they want a deeper connection. In a few cases it is possible to take the donors to see the projects and programs personally, but the costs of doing so [...]

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Posted on Thursday, 23rd April 2009 by chris wignall

One of the greatest challenges I see many organizations having is staying focussed on their core vision and competencies, particularly when the needs and opportunities are so diverse. This is amplified in organizations in which program staff work remotely and with great trust and independence from the main office. A recent conversation with Brady Wilson [...]

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Posted on Tuesday, 3rd February 2009 by chris wignall

I am increasingly convinced that a key to crafting direction, for organizations as well as individuals, is to look into the past. With few (if any) exceptions what we will become at our best is rooted in things that have been true since our beginning. When I work with individuals on figuring out their best [...]

Tags: Partners, Vision
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Posted on Friday, 21st November 2008 by chris wignall

Is your organization redundant? If you were being totally honest and no one else had to hear what you said, could you convince yourself that what you are currently doing couldn’t be done as well or better by someone else? The way you answer this question is pretty revealing. If you can’t quickly point to [...]

Tags: Leadership, Vision
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Posted on Friday, 7th November 2008 by chris wignall

Yesterday I spent time talking with Regan Heffernan, principal of Abbey Park High School in Oakville. I had heard from some of his staff that he was a great person to work for, Abbey Park is a new school with an impressive reputation. Half and hour with Mr. Heffernan explains a big part of why. [...]

Tags: Vision
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Posted on Thursday, 16th October 2008 by chris wignall

My father worked for over 30 years in a steel factory. He worked hard, took courses at night, and eventually moved into a management role. But I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a day that he drove to work thinking “Now this is what I truly love to do!” On the other hand I am part [...]

Tags: Vision
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Posted on Monday, 28th July 2008 by chris wignall

When is leadership development not worthwhile? I spent some time recently with my old friends at Medeba Adventure Learning Centre. I’ll confess that I’m biased in their favour. Several years ago I was part of their second class in the leadership internship program they’ve developed. It was great to catch up with some old friends [...]

Tags: Leadership, Vision
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