Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Author: Karl Edwards

  • Drowning in $ Desperation

    At the other extreme, there are those for whom the reality of funding their non-profit enterprise is an all-consuming responsibility.

    Like a hungry beast always prowling for its next meal, these leaders see others through the eyes of donation potential. Everyone becomes financial prey, so to speak. We can feel it too. And as a result we take evasive action to protect ourselves.

    The heart-breaker here is that these leaders are no longer passionately involved in the cause for which they are raising the money. Their focus has been diverted by the need for funds. The need is real. But the response is out of balance. Like a drowning swimmer who panics trying to get air, they pull down the would-be rescuer with them.

    Our plans for ensuring we have enough oxygen, need to include tools for staying in touch with our original passion. How do you keep fund raising in perspective?

    Be sure to hear the podcast interview series!

  • Money = Oxygen?

    Oxygen. Interesting word to use when talking about money.

    It forces a reality check for the non-profit. Rodney’s insight in this week’s podcast interview is that there is no avoiding, getting around, or wishing away the simple fact that no enterprise, even a not-for-profit one, can function without funds.

    Many non-profit leaders look down on, or are simply annoyed by, money, fund-raising, and the capitalistic context of our work. All power to them on their convictions, but unless they find a way to pay their staff, pay their rent, buy supplies, postage, computers, etc. etc., they will be out looking for a new job themselves.

    What is your view of the role of money in the non-profit? How do you keep fund-raising in perspective?

    Listen in.

  • Listen In -> Non-Profit Challenges #2: Never Enough Money

    Many choose non-profit work because they’re not interested in chasing the almighty dollar. Then they wake up one morning and realize they’re chasing it more than ever as a non-profit.

    In my conversation this week with Rodney Walker of Walker & Associates, we tackle the money demon. Listen in. I think you’ll find our discussion helpful.

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  • Question of the Week

    What unanticipated new ideas are being birthed as your team goes about their work?

  • Me, A Tyrant?

    Some non-profit directors want the hands and the hearts of a board, but not so much their brains. (Continuing our discussion of this week’s interview with Rodney Walker.)

    We love the funds they raise, the connections they provide, and the muscle they bring to our projects. But when it comes to our own accountability to perform or soliciting input on core values and strategic direction, we too often give our boards the straight-arm treatment.

    Especially if we founded the non-profit, it can feel horrible when the circle of support closest to us disagrees or pushes back.

    What might an appropriate posture of humility, respect and collaboration look like that does not involve betraying our passion or leadership responsibility? Think with me.

  • How Did We End Up Here?

    One of my key take-aways from this week’s interview with Rodney Walker is the value of defining roles from the beginning of a work relationship.

    In the case of non-profits, directors recruit a board for a variety of reasons: fund raising potential, public endorsement and reputation, access to their network of connections, among others. Not always considered is what role these board members will play in the on-going operation of the enterprise.

    Here’s the deal. Once you’re hooked on a board member’s value as a fund raiser and/or a connection maker, it’s almost impossible to tell them to back off when you find out that they feel part of their role is to tell you how to lead the organization.

    Better to define at the beginning of the relationship what the role looks like, than find yourselves resenting, resisting or avoiding your own key supporters!

    What have you done to clarify board member roles and responsibilities?

  • Listen In -> The Challenge of Non-Profits with Rodney Walker

    My good friend and admired entrepreneur, Rodney Walker, talks with me for the next four weeks about the challenges facing non-profit enterprises.

    This was an interesting series for me, because non-profits don’t (and can’t) function like for-profit companies. We will delve into:

    1. Unhealthy Board/Director Dynamics (the current recording)
    2. There’s Never Enough Money
    3. Can You Measure Success?
    4. Working with Volunteers

    Let us know one of your board versus director challenges!

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  • Question of the Week

    What difficult conversation have you been avoiding?

  • Redundant Approvals Killing You?

    My favorite crazy redundancy is the budget process that requires multiple approvals.

    Here’s how it works. You have your annual budget process and request funds to purchase new equipment during the year. The budget is approved. But then a few months later when you are ready to replace a piece of equipment, a second approval is required to make the actual purchase.

    In other words, the approval given at one point can be reversed at any other. Now, of course things change and an investment that seemed feasible at the beginning of the year may not be prudent eight months later. But most of the time, this second approval is unnecessary and debilitating for managers.

    We inadvertently create multiple opportunities to squash action. It only takes one “no” to stop an initiative, while it takes as many “yeses” as there are approval layers. Not good odds.

    Slim down and trust your managers with the timing and execution of your original approval. What do you think?

  • PodcastPost! “Enterprising Teams 5: A Bias Towards Action”

    We conclude our series on Enterprising Teams² with the assertion that a bias towards action characterizes thriving teams. Listen here and join the conversation.

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