Uncategorized

If you have been a reader of my blog, you know that I believe that the traditional NFP organizational model (501(c)3) suffers from systemic malfunction, and that the board role is central to this condition.  For me it's time to look beyond, to some possible solutions, and hear others' opinions. Boards of directors have 3 essential functional roles: governance … [Read more...] about Boards Reconceptualized, Part I

In contemplating altogether new organizational models for the arts and culture sector, I find myself focusing on the roll of boards.  Increasingly, professional staff members are spending escalating percentages of their time managing their boards of directors, taking time away from managing activities related to their missions.  Once a good and necessary idea, … [Read more...] about NFP Boards, Good Idea Run Amok?

My orginal quest to identify or create new organizational models as alternatives to the traditional 501(c)3 not-for- profit (NFP) led me inevitably to leadership design.  The most perfect organizational design is worthless without a strong accompanying leadership schema.  My recent posts have identified core problems related to leadership design.  In this … [Read more...] about Principles of Leadership Design

Now that I teach administration I have the luxury of observing and commenting on repeating occurences in organizational leadership.  In both my direct leadership background, as well as in my board volunteer service I have experienced what I will comment on today, that of board members taking on leadership roles, moving from volunteer to professional status.  I'm … [Read more...] about A Sad Leadership Story

In my most recent post I spoke to the problems created by managing directors (CEO's, presidents, executive directors) of performing arts organizations being increasingly asked to make artistic, mission-related decisions as they increasingly move away from their own artistic expertise and acuity.  This is a distinct problem that must be addressed.  For one, simply … [Read more...] about Tri-Part Leadership – – a Failure