Sean at Tactical Philanthropy and I are having a little debate about the role of metrics, or more generally of a business mentality, in the independent sector. I welcome those who come into the nonprofit or citizen sector with a business mentality, but it would be a shame if they did not outgrow it.
With all this talk about business language and thinking for non-profits, I couldn't resist picking put Go-Giver when I noticed it at the bookstore today. The idea is that to be successful at business at the highest levels, you have to give it away and trust that it will come back to you. There is still a long way from there to giving because it is the right thing to do, but hey, fake it 'til you make it.
Posted by: Gerry | January 24, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Oh, almost forgot, wanted to point to my new object, my take on "Radical Failure", excellence in the pursuit of error.
Posted by: Gerry | January 25, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Very appealing, Gerry. Do I spy a couple of polyps in there?
Posted by: What Do You Call The Guy Who Graduated First In His Class In X School? | January 25, 2008 at 09:13 AM
BTW, what is "X School" is X a stand in for any school, or is that something like X-games, X-box or X-tra-judiciary?
Posted by: Gerry | January 25, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Stand still, mate. It'll hurt less.
(My Dad says it stands for this.)
Posted by: What Do You Call The Guy Who Graduated First In His Class In X School? | January 25, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Is this work of art signed, Gerry? Framed?
Posted by: phil | January 25, 2008 at 02:02 PM
It is signed and not yet matted and framed. Up until last week it was just taped to a door near my workshop in the basement without the title and signature.
The original is pen plotter output of my final design as submitted for the class. I've already passed the book the a work friend and will give him the other part when I finish it. I plan on uploading a better photo when it is completed.
Posted by: Gerry | January 25, 2008 at 03:05 PM
I would disagree with you on asking business people to bring their money and not be bossy. Most nonprofits need the business expertise to be efficient, accountable and strategic as an organization. I would challenge each nonprofit to have at least 25% of their board represented by individuals from the business community.
Posted by: robert guinto | January 25, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Expertise, time, talent, yes, but also an open mind and heart, a willingness to appreciate what makes the nonprofit the voluntary sector.
Posted by: phil | January 25, 2008 at 09:43 PM