The Brief
This post comes from the RelSci 5, our weekly newsletter for and about nonprofit leaders. Its curated articles and insights revolve around a different theme each week and will help you do your job better. This week’s theme is Maximizing Talent. Sign up for the RelSci 5 here.
This post comes from the RelSci 5, our weekly newsletter for and about nonprofit leaders. Its curated articles and insights revolve around a different theme each week and will help you do your job better. This week’s theme is Maximizing Talent. Sign up for the RelSci 5 here.
1. Lonely hearts club. You’re probably—frustratingly—aware of the untapped potential within your organization, staff members or volunteers whose ideas could help you operate more efficiently, snag bigger donors or start new campaigns. The problem is, internal entrepreneurs tend to be isolated in larger organizations; you need to help them connect with others. One good first step: in-house, in-person education that offers a chance to meet like-minded colleagues and can spur collaboration 2. From all corners. Speaking of collaboration … Cloud computing and video conferencing have their charms, but for fostering group innovation nothing beats being in the same room. So all you international organizations need to bring staff together periodically to work and play. Pro tip: Everyone bonds better over great links. Send them the RelSci 5: go.relsci.com/relsci5
3. Thank you, Keyboard Cat. Speaking of viral sites, all those funny felines you’ve been checking out at your desk have made you a better employee. Tell your boss: new research shows distractions can improve creativity and productivity. Specifically, videos of cute animals increased motivation and processing. We’d explain why this is so, but someone just sent us a YouTube link featuring six puppies and a lemur.
4. Five ways to keep board members happy. Hooking board members is hard enough, but it’s only half the battle. Keeping them is its own constant struggle, as passion for the mission holds their interest for only so long. We explored five things you can do to make sure board members will stay at the table once you’ve given them a seat there. 5. Things they hate about you. A new survey suggests you’re probably annoying the hell out of your colleagues. Yes, you, mister speakerphone-abusing, cubicle-loitering, tuna-microwaving guy. Here’s how to be a better co-worker and increase your chance of climbing the ladder.
