Innovative Concepts

Roughing-Up Humanity

tkls9lo

When an airline drags a passengers off a plane and bloodies them because it wants to put employees on a flight, humanity is lost.  The hard work is recognizing the human element to every interaction.  It takes empathy and curiosity to negotiate challenging moments.  The easy work is enforcing policies.  The work that matters is seeing each individual in the crowd. When we ask better questions, we get remarkable results.  When we look at people as a way to manage the numbers we settle for the lowest common denominator.  Be brave, state your vision.  Show how humanity is being served.  Sometimes is just means keeping your promise.

Pay for Performance

p4pHere is a conversation that may find its way to your boardroom in the next year.  Do nonprofits need to pay nonprofit board members?  The National Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Executives (NANOE) is advocating a change to the role of a board member and nonprofit executive.  The headline grabber is NANOE’s belief that nonprofit board members should receive an honorarium for their service, and a strong CEO focus on money over mission.  The Chronicle of Philanthropy provides a in-depth look at the movement.

The ascension of this discussion brings a conversation opportunity to the board room.  What does your organization stand for?  How does its behaviors match the stated values?  What actions would constitute a breach?  What is essential to the serving the board?

Would your organization pay for performance?

What Are You Know For?

People come for interactions that they consider remarkable.  They want to hear/see/interact with your greatest hits along with the new project that you are working on.  Sometimes it feels routine to use your super power to fuel your journey.  But we can only make sense of something new when we start from a place we understand.  When in Swiss Alps, one expects to here mountain folk music before a new piece is introduced.  It provides a point of connection.  This is why instructors inquire about our prior experiences before starting their instruction.  They wish to create a foundation from where we are, not from some abstract platform that we cannot access.  What you are known for may be the very best place to start a new relationship.

Searchlights and Fireworks

img_4387

Anyone can hire a pair of searchlights to illuminate the night sky and draw the curious.  Same with fireworks.   Swirling and screaming beams of light and loud unexpected explosions call attention to your location.  The real questions is what do you have to offer once everyone assembles.  Too often we look for followers without thinking about what we can give.  Be remarkable for your service and the value you add to other people’s journey.  The followers will come if the work you do matters.  Otherwise, make it known that you are in the entertainment business.