Mostly "What Works" focuses on either Why Organizations Thrive  and Why Organizations Go Off Course, both of which detail lessons I learned while growing the Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV), buttressed by my observations of dozens of other groups both in Oregon and across the country.

I recently had the occasion to re-read a Monograph that I previously reviewed (in November 2010). Because my list has grown so much since then, I decided to repeat that review as this month's chief article.    

Good to Great and the Social Sectors  is a 40 page monograph by Jim Collins, who has published a series of books about the business world that have been widely read.  Among business authors, I find that Collins understands nonprofits more than most.  

In his short monograph, he identifies five key takeaways that nonprofits should focus on:

1. Define Great.  Pick something big to achieve and rigorously track your progress towards achieving it.

2. Find Level 5 Leadership.  Find a chief executive who combines a sense of personal humility with tremendous passion for the cause and a willingness to lead by making people part of a shared vision rather than by executive fiat.

3. First who.  Recruit a board and staff leadership that's top-notch.  Settling for mediocrity breeds more mediocrity.

4. Find your Hedgehog Concept - a single great idea that unifies your work, about which you can feel passionate, be the best at, and that carries with it the ability to raise the resources needed.

5. Turn the flywheel.  Pay attention to your brand and make sure you are communicating clearly so that potential supporters believe both in your mission and your ability to deliver on that mission.

You can read more about Good to Great and the Social Sectors in my book review.   

Download the review as a PDF. 

Or get Collins' monograph for yourself.