Milk and cream: two yummy parts of what a cow produces . Left on a counter for 12-24 hours, fresh milk naturally separates into a high-fat
cream layer on top, leaving a larger, low-fat milk layer on the bottom.
Where is this moooving metaphor going? This natural process reminds me of a trend I am tracking in the not-for-profit world.
The not-for-profit world is experiencing similar separation these days. The organizations that rise to the top are doing a better job of communicating, engaging and raising money from their communities. Unlike the cream they emulate however, these non-profit’s aren’t doing this work on their own. More and more not-for-profits are knocking at my door, and at the door of other consultants because they want to build:
You’re running out of time. You must do some planning for the year, but the committees - and the stars - are just not cooperating. What's a hard-working executive to do?
It’s time for a paper napkin strategy session.
When "real" planning is not in the cards you don’t have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Instead, invite a board member over for a cup of coffee and do some short-term goal setting on a paper napkin as a “first step” towards tackling that bigger issue that you are having trouble getting your head around.
Here are the rules:
