You curled your hair and put on your patent leather shoes. You even put on lipstick without your mom’s permission. You are ready for your first junior high dance. Will you ask Bobby to slow dance or stand near the wall with friends? Will you go near the chip bowl, or do you not […]
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Most people are natural psychologists, wanting to understand what makes people tick, what motivates people: And nothing is more psychologically intriguing than a space that houses a hierarchy of strangers who have to prove their worth every day and seemingly get along for 40+ hours per week. No, I am not talking about The Bachelor; […]
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When people hear the word “improvisation,” some say: “I watched Whose Line is it Anyway on T.V. and thought it was funny!” “I think professional actors do that at Second City in Chicago, like Amy Poehler did.” “Who in their right mind would do that?” What is this ”improvisation” that causes an array of […]
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When we think of highly successful people, we think of their motivation, innovation, perseverance, and occasionally their bank accounts. Do we also think of the typical color or style of their clothing? A signature style can help to establish and maintain a unique identity. Unlike the typical notion that success equals high-end fashion, Lifehack suggests […]
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No one is immune to the donation letter or email from a charitable organization. When donation appeals roll around, who is more likely to offer money, you or your spouse? Aunt Betty or Uncle John? And does gender really matter when it comes to fundraising? According to a report from Linda B. Myette, director of […]
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If people were not philanthropic, how would nonprofits survive? Donors are the lifeblood of many organizations. Money is the key gift, but sometimes donors offer materials, time, recommendations, and other resources. And a key question: What motivates donors, anyway? Initially, the desire to support the cause, to make a difference in the world, […]
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Why We Work For many successful nonprofit employees, the timeless mantra is “I am passionate about my work.” But what does passion mean and is it the driving force that motivates most people to work? Cal Newport, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University, says following your passion is bad advice. Having a passion […]
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As children, we are told we should shoot for the stars and that we can be anything we want when we grow up. Sometimes our dreams lead us to the nonprofit world. Nonprofits can get a bad rap. Fewer resources, below average salaries, and understaffed environments are some common gripes. But let’s not lose sight […]
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Your nonprofit is preparing for an important fundraiser. You’ve been working late all week (for no extra pay, of course). It’s finally Friday and you’re excited about sleeping for two whole days. The executive director walks in your office and asks you to work this weekend. You respond by a) throwing a tantrum or b) […]
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Nonprofiteers know the buzzwords that easily roll off the tongues of employees, employers, and the board of directors. Has this jargon and lingo turned listeners into Pavlovian dogs? Don’t they produce an instant and very specific response to the nonprofit buzzwords? So, what are these powerful words that buzz on the pulse of the nonprofit […]
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