Another brief read (I wouldn't ask you to concentrate at length) on the false economy of multitasking - including the price paid even when offline...and interpersonally. Don't miss the two related interactive tests ('Test Your Focus', 'Test How Fast You Juggle Tasks') which deftly illustrate the principle. See how you stack up. Your Brain on Computers - Attached to Technology and Paying a Price - NYTimes.com. … [Read more...]
The Four Horsemen of the Nonprofit Financial Apocalypse
In this article Clara Miller, President and CEO of the Nonprofit Finance Fund, identifies nonprofit best practices and assumptions which have amplified the impact of the economic downturn on many organizations. She makes the case for increasing the understanding of nonprofit capitalization so that organizations are equipped to make better decisions and create new business models that suit their unique circumstances. Hat tip to Andrew Taylor for his summary of this article on his blog, The Artful Manager. The Nonprofit Quarterly | … [Read more...]
The New Work of the Nonprofit Board
"Effective governance by the board of a nonprofit organization is a rare and unnatural act. " This article describes how to leverage the collective knowledge and networks of your board of directors so they are able to provide your organization with the strategic direction and support it needs. The New Work of the Nonprofit Board - Harvard Business Review. … [Read more...]
How Hospitality Companies are Using Social Media for Real Results
"Because social media is a platform for the customer’s voice — and that voice can be heard by anyone in the world — the hospitality industry as a whole has embraced social media in a huge way." An interesting look at how a few smart organizations have integrated social media into their work. How Hospitality Companies are Using Social Media for Real Results. … [Read more...]
Acting with Power Journal
An interesting integration of theatre and business school theory in a class led by Deborah Gruenfeld at Stanford University. This journal tracks and shares the progress of the class from week to week. Acting with Power Journal. … [Read more...]
Social Outcomes: Lifting Sights, Changing Norms
The air is filled with conversation about measurement and metrics and proof for nonprofit activities and investments. Mario Morino points out the heavy emphasis on long-term scientific study in these discussions, and argues for the importance of an integrated, day-to-day performance management approach. His thoughts are in line with the approach we teach in "Building Evaluation Capacity." A note from other writing by Venture Philanthropy Partners: they believe a proper performance management system can take three years to develop and … [Read more...]
Nonprofits, Innovation, and Performance Measurement: Separating Fact from Fiction
A recent study from Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies on constraints on innovation in the NP sector (incl. arts specifically). Limited resources cited as constraint on both innovation itself and the ability to perform rigorous program evaluation in service of identifying innovative programs. Folk wisdom of correlation between organization size and innovation is also challenged: "Innovative activity was particularly pronounced among the larger organizations, challenging the common assumption that organizations become less … [Read more...]
The Nonprofit Sector in Brief: Public Charities, Giving and Volunteering, 2009
This brief highlights trends in the number and finances of 501(c)(3) public charities, as well as key findings on private charitable contributions and volunteering, two vital resources to the nonprofit sector. Figures on giving and volunteering include the most recent data available. Data reported on the nonprofit sector are from 2007—a snapshot of the sector just before the U.S. economic recession. The Nonprofit Sector in Brief: Public Charities, Giving and Volunteering, 2009. … [Read more...]
Why Tate Modern needs to expand | The Art Newspaper
A very interesting piece in The Art Newspaper by the Director of Tate Modern. He talks about the changing reality for museums and presents a case for the future of the Tate. “For Tate to have a sustainable future, we will need to stretch the principles of collaboration and exchange. Collaborations will require that we abandon some notions of institutional demarcation or sole authorship, and replace them with public access, integration, and the widest possible engagement with academics, artists and specialists elsewhere.” Why Tate … [Read more...]
Happiness Around the World: The paradox of happy peasants and miserable millionaires
A friend in the banking world recently gave me this book, and as we consider why the arts are so essential to healthy societies it makes for interesting reading. Oxford University Press: Happiness Around the World: Carol Graham. … [Read more...]
Nonprofit Reserves Workgroup – NCCS Wiki
A great resource for board members and staff members to test knowledge and learn more about operating (sometimes called cash) reserves. Nonprofit Reserves Workgroup - NCCS Wiki. … [Read more...]
Barry’s Blog: OUR BUSINESS MODEL IS OUTDATED AND HARMING US
A thought provoking article on business structure. Barry's Blog: OUR BUSINESS MODEL IS OUTDATED AND HARMING US. … [Read more...]
Leaders in co-creation? Why and how museums could develop their co-creative practice with the public
This paper explores increasing co-creation in museums as a means to creating better, more relevant and innovative programming and exhibits. Using performing arts examples and business literature, Govier argues that collaborative development and co-creation should be pursued with more in mind than audience development/engagement or educational programming and outreach. While the research focuses on the application of these concepts for museums, the ideas are relevant to all arts and culture organizations. Found via Nina Simon's summary … [Read more...]
A new way to measure word-of-mouth marketing – McKinsey Quarterly – Marketing – Strategy
Assessing its impact as well as its volume will help organizations take better advantage of 'buzz.' A new way to measure word-of-mouth marketing - McKinsey Quarterly - Marketing - Strategy. … [Read more...]
Motivated Multitasking: How the Brain Keeps Tabs on Two Tasks at Once: Scientific American
For those convinced they are adept multi-taskers, a slim line of defense against the prevailing wisdom that it can't be done. Motivated Multitasking: How the Brain Keeps Tabs on Two Tasks at Once: Scientific American. … [Read more...]