In times of heightened uncertainty, it is tempting to put off long-range planning. That could be a costly mistake. Here's what to do instead.

Jargon makes it harder for people to understand your mission and why (and how) they should get involved. Here's how to make your messaging crystal clear without it.

"It is difficult to read the label from inside the jar." Ask others to help you get a more objective take on your organization - or yourself.

You’ve put a lot of work into developing and implementing your strategy – use it to craft a stronger annual appeal or report.

Delegation is easy when you trust someone to get the job done. In other cases, it requires a bit more effort on your part – with plenty of long-term upside for them, you, and your organization.

You can’t do it all; neither can your team. If you set reasonable bounds on what’s expected, delegate, and coach delegees, you can tackle more together - without taking on too much.

Half-hearted, insincere apologies and promises not to do it again abound. There’s a better way to say "I'm sorry."  It’s a perfect model for how to build a culture of accountability for you team. 

Boards often have no experience evaluating executive performance and may shy away from reviews. But without them, you’re missing opportunities to grow as a leader and help your organization thrive.

When you or your team struggle to maintain focus, first get clear on your goals. Then choose a manageable approach and track results to ensure you meet those goals.

Finding the time and energy to consider your strategic direction is one of the most pressing challenges for busy mission-driven leaders. Here are some tips for stepping back to see the big picture.

Distraction, hyper focus, and brooding can be symptoms of ADHD, or simply coping mechanisms of a burdened mind. Here are practical tips for getting your mind back on track.

It’s natural to drag your feet in the face of a big, uncomfortable change. To stay motivated, keep the end in mind, have a plan, and take it one step at a time.

How often do you jump into problem-solving mode - only to miss the real issue? Presented with an issue or question, ask an extra question to get to the root of the matter.

Increased stability, even growth, comes from knowing what your organization excels at and investing in that core competency. Here's how one nonprofit did just that.

Many nonprofits do everything possible to keep expenses down. By investing in their operations and properly valuing their work, one nonprofit went from "surviving" to "thriving."

The pitfall of putting strategy on a pedestal: an unachievable vision, over-ambitious plan, and inflated sense of progress. Balance ambition with reality to stretch your organization - not break it.

Not every organization could survive a 90% cut to its budget. One museum is finding its way by restoring its focus on a unique mission. How clear is your

focus?

How do you build capacity to thrive when specialized expertise is too expensive? One nonprofit grew by empowering existing staff to step into new roles.

How do you activate support, even when many other organizations serve the same mission area as you? One organization found the key was filling a critical gap in their mission space.

Feeling stuck? Don’t wait so long for the perfect answer to come that you don’t turn in your test on time.