 Idea Garden sprouts at Bluestem
We know you get a lot of email, but we're
hoping our new monthly "idea garden" will be a
welcome addition to your inbox. If you prefer NOT to
receive it, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of
this page. You will always be able to find archived
versions on our newly updated website. Check us out at www.bluesteminteractive.com and send your feedback. We are always delighted to hear from you! |
| Energize your leadership
Too often we choose board members for a group they represent instead of what they bring to the board. We suggest you spend some time at your next board meeting learning about the people sitting around the table. What talents and expertise can they contribute? What organizations and people are they connected to in the community that could help advance your organization's mission? (Don't just focus on money!) Ask board members to pair up, interview each other for 5 minutes and then report back to the group in a round robin exercise. It just might be the most enjoyable, productive, and revitalizing board meeting you've ever had. |
| Ignite community support
It's not enough to simply "tell your story." You have to engage the public in a dialogue about your organization. Social networking tools can help you do that, but so can good old telephone communication. Take a Friday afternoon and call a few of your top community champions. Ask them for feedback about how your organization is doing and what you might do better. Or invite them in for a tour or out for coffee. Community support is built on solid relationships. And solid relationships are built on great communication: communication that flows both ways. |
| Chart your path
Ever wonder why strategic plans languish on the shelf? We think it's because the "work plan" portion is not structured as a "living" document. Strategies change. Deadlines need to be stretched. We've found that the use of Word tables, Excel docs, or even wikis can keep work plans alive, people accountable, and organizations on track. We couldn't function without the work plans we use. If you want to see a sample, contact us. |
| Tell us more
We are very interested in the concept of "giving circles"--groups of people who get together to discuss their favorite charitable causes and pool their money to make donations. According to the Midlands Business Journal, Angela Eikenberry, an assistant professor at the UNO School of Public Administration, published a book on the topic this summer. She says "there are quite a few in the Omaha area" but "they are very grassroots, so it's hard to know how many are out there." Do you know of any giving circles in your community? If so, drop us a note. We think it's a fantastic concept to introduce to our families and friends, especially around the holidays.
Have a safe and joyful holiday season and we'll see you in 2010!
|
