The difference between successful organizations is not between the business and the social sector, the
difference is between good organizations and great ones.
Customer Reviews:
Read the original first.......2007-05-16
The monograph is valuable only when the 5 key business concepts are well understood before trying to extrapolate them to the non-profit world. I gave just the mono to my staff and they wound up asking all kinds of questions that the Good to Great book addresses well, albeit with for profit examples.
Used it as a text in management class and office retreat.......2007-05-15
I used the hardback Good to Great as a text for a class I taught. Then used the monograph for a staff retreat discussion (we are a university department). They both work well as a basis for discussion, analysis of your own organization, and personal challenge to explore organizational change. You don't have to totally agree with everything presented, but it makes for excellent reading and discussion. I used it for class in combination with "First Break All the Rules." Both are great discussion starters.
Great and Growing.......2007-05-14
This book is a cultural phenom. So many companies have adopted it as a way of trying to grow and become and stay great.
I have read it and sat through numerous retreats and discussions. After a few times you can see who you are on the bus with even before they open their mouths.
A great book to keep in your library.
Bringing disipline to the social sector.......2007-05-14
I was a fan of Jim Collins and have given away a number of copies of Good to Great to clients and friends where I thought his insights would be of value. His monograph on how the Good to Great framework can be applied in the social sector is even more unique. As a retired corporate executive who now provides help to a number of not-for-profit organizations, I have found his monograph to be superb way to encourage more discipline in a sector where it is truly needed.
Must read for non-profits and churches.......2007-05-07
This is the first book that I have been able to put my hands on that deals directly with helping non-profits and churches step up in their organizational approach to excellence. It helps guide directors and pastors from being "fire fighters" to reaching the goals and visions that they set out to do.
Average customer rating:
- going from corporate executive to do gooder champion
- A dream realized will inspire many
- Anyone Can Make a Difference!!!
- Life-Changing Read of Hope, Inspiration and Amazing Change for the World's Children
- Leaving Microsoft to Change the World
|
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children
John Wood
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ASIN: 006112107X
Release Date: 2006-08-29 |
Book Description
John Wood discovered his passion, his greatest success, and his life's work--not at business school or leading Microsoft's charge into Asia in the 1990s--but on a soul-searching trip to the Himalayas. Wood felt trapped between an all-consuming career and a desire to do something lasting and significant. Stressed from the demands of his job, he took a vacation trekking in Nepal because a friend had told him, "If you get high enough in the mountains, you can't hear Steve Ballmer yelling at you anymore."
See how John Wood came to start Room to Read and write Leaving Microsoft to Change the World in this video clip: high bandwidth or low bandwidth |
Instead of being the antidote to the rat race, that trip convinced John Wood to divert the boundless energy he was devoting to Microsoft into a cause that desperately needed to be addressed. While visiting a remote Nepalese school, Wood learned that the students had few books in their library. When he offered to run a book drive to provide the school with books, his idea was met with polite skepticism. After all, no matter how well-intentioned, why would a successful software executive take valuable time out of his life and gather books for an impoverished school?
But John Wood did return to that school and with thousands of books bundled on the back of a yak. And at that moment, Wood made the decision to walk away from Microsoft and create Room to Read-an organization that has donated more than 1.2 million books, established more than 2,600 libraries and 200 schools, and sent 1,700 girls to school on scholarship-ultimately touching the lives of 875,000 children with the lifelong gift of education.
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World chronicles John Wood's struggle to find a meaningful outlet for his managerial talents and entrepreneurial zeal. For every high-achiever who has ever wondered what life might be like giving back, Wood offers a vivid, emotional, and absorbing tale of how to take the lessons learned at a hard-charging company like Microsoft and apply them to one of the world's most pressing problems: the lack of basic literacy.
Book Description
John Wood discovered his passion, his greatest success, and his life's work—not at business school or leading Microsoft's charge into Asia in the 1990s—but on a soul-searching trip to the Himalayas. Wood felt trapped between an all-consuming career and a desire to do something lasting and significant. Stressed from the demands of his job, he took a vacation trekking in Nepal because a friend had told him, "If you get high enough in the mountains, you can't hear Steve Ballmer yelling at you anymore."
Instead of being the antidote to the rat race, that trip convinced John Wood to divert the boundless energy he was devoting to Microsoft into a cause that desperately needed to be addressed. While visiting a remote Nepalese school, Wood learned that the students had few books in their library. When he offered to run a book drive to provide the school with books, his idea was met with polite skepticism. After all, no matter how well-intentioned, why would a successful software executive take valuable time out of his life and gather books for an impoverished school?
But John Wood did return to that school and with thousands of books bundled on the back of a yak. And at that moment, Wood made the decision to walk away from Microsoft and create Room to Read—an organization that has donated more than 1.2 million books, established more than 2,600 libraries and 200 schools, and sent 1,700 girls to school on scholarship—ultimately touching the lives of 875,000 children with the lifelong gift of education.
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World chronicles John Wood's struggle to find a meaningful outlet for his managerial talents and entrepreneurial zeal. For every high-achiever who has ever wondered what life might be like giving back, Wood offers a vivid, emotional, and absorbing tale of how to take the lessons learned at a hard-charging company like Microsoft and apply them to one of the world's most pressing problems: the lack of basic literacy.
Customer Reviews:
going from corporate executive to do gooder champion.......2007-06-05
This is a good book to understand risk that is inspired by passion. this guy had everything to lose and so much to gain and he did it. Kudos to him and kudos for a well written book.
A dream realized will inspire many.......2007-04-28
I know many people who are passionate about a cause but lost when it comes to what to do next. Wood had the business background to take his passion and turn it into a well-oiled non-profit machine that does tremendous good while appearing to opperate without the ego and bureaucracy that keeps many NPs from accomplishing their altruistic goals.
Wood not only built on his initial idea, but inspires others to turn their passions into action in very practical terms.
I'm a life coach and work with many clients who want to create a more meaningful life through meaningful work. But they are stopped for many reasons, not the least of which is fear they won't be able to survive financially. Because Wood knew life at both ends of the financial spetrum, perhaps it was easier for him to realize how little he could live with. In any case, his book is an inspiration to anyone wanting to follow their dream.
Anyone Can Make a Difference!!!.......2007-04-10
This book reminds us that we can all make a difference. John's candid and entertaining personality. His book is a written account of one man's journey from corporate bureaucracy to making a phenomenal change in people's lives.
Dennis J. Schleicher
Author of an explosive and controversial memoir; Forbidden Love with a Married Man; E-Mail Diaries
Life-Changing Read of Hope, Inspiration and Amazing Change for the World's Children.......2007-04-09
John Wood's book is by far one of the most inspirational books I have ever read and I have felt compelled to tell everyone I know about it. John instills hope and inspiration that anything is possible when your heart is in the right place, you follow your gut/dreams, seek out/focus on solutions and dream big. You will laugh, cry and be moved to action when reading John's book. What John is doing along with his team at Room to Read by providing empowering solutions for children around the world to rise above poverty is remarkable!!
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World.......2007-04-06
Inspirational, insightful, funny. Answers the age old question, "But I'm just one person; can I really make a difference?"
Average customer rating:
- dry reading material
- Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement, 3
- A college textbook that has crossed over into the nonprofit world as a treatise for "non-students" on strategic planning.
- Strategic Planning
- A Real Bore
|
Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement, 3rd Edition
John M. Bryson
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
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- Balanced Scorecard Step-by-Step for Government and Nonprofit Agencies
ASIN: 0787967556 |
Book Description
When it was first published more than sixteen years ago, John Bryson's Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations introduced a new and thoughtful strategic planning model. Since then it has become the standard reference in the field. In this completely revised third edition, Bryson updates his perennial bestseller to help today’s leaders enhance organizational effectiveness. This new edition:
- Features the Strategy Change Cycle—a proven planning process used by a large number of organizations
- Offers detailed guidance on implementing the planning process and includes specific tools and techniques to make the process work in any organization
- Introduces new material on creating public value, stakeholder analysis, strategy mapping, balanced scorecards, collaboration, and more
- Includes information about the organizational designs that will encourage strategic thought and action throughout the entire organization
- Contains a wealth of updated examples and cases
Download Description
When it was first published more than sixteen years ago, John Bryson's Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations introduced a new and thoughtful strategic planning model. Since then it has become the standard reference in the field. In this completely revised third edition, Bryson updates his perennial bestseller to help todays leaders enhance organizational effectiveness. This new edition: Features the Strategy Change Cyclea proven planning process used by a large number of organizations Offers detailed guidance on implementing the planning process and includes specific tools and techniques to make the process work in any organization Introduces new material on creating public value, stakeholder analysis, strategy mapping, balanced scorecards, collaboration, and more Includes information about the organizational designs that will encourage strategic thought and action throughout the entire organization Contains a wealth of updated examples and cases
Customer Reviews:
dry reading material.......2007-01-08
This book, although required for the course I was enrolled in, was overall a waste of money. The reading material was very dry, making it a pain to follow. I learned more by showing up for class, taking good notes and involving myself in the group discussions, than what I learned from attempting to ingest the contents of this book.
Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement, 3.......2006-11-03
Excellent public sector response to what we normally see as a business model for strategic planning. Very practical and easy to follow for all managers in the public service, non-profit organizations and non-governmental organizations doing charitable work for the common good.
A college textbook that has crossed over into the nonprofit world as a treatise for "non-students" on strategic planning........2006-09-05
I certainly liked this book a lot, but I didn't love it. Ergo, it gets a 4 star rating. If you want a detailed account regarding strategic planning, then read this book. It is well documented and clearly organized. Unfortunately it is boring!
The author is a college professor whose expertise is strategic planning in the nonprofit and government sectors. It certainly is normal to see a college professor take a subject and break it down into tiny parts and then build a textbook around describing how the tiny parts all fit together. In the case of this book, the author has broken the subject of strategic planning into tiny parts and called the combination of the tiny parts the Strategic Change Cycle ("SCC"). To see his nice diagram of the SCC turn to page 33 of the text.
After letting the reader see what the SCC is, the author then takes the rest of the book to explain the diagram and how all of its parts fit together. There are three sections to the book:
1. Understanding SCC
2. Key steps to using SCC
3. Managing the SCC process
Each chapter has a summary at its end. Someone who wants to get through the book as quickly as possible will start by reading each chapter's summary and then go back and skim through each of the chapters. Much of the content is common sense, so it shouldn't take all that long to read. However, there will be sections where you will probably want to slow down and digest in depth some of the material.
Leaders must be effective strategists if nonprofits are to be successful. And leaders use strategic planning and its set of concepts, procedures and tools in order to make their nonprofits successful.
In its simplest form strategic planning is all about knowing where you stand and knowing where you want to be. Then you "strategically plan" how you are going to get to where you want to be. What action steps are you going to take to move from point A to point B? This book will help you understand that process if you are having trouble with it right now.
Strategic Planning.......2006-02-21
Its a book highly recommended by for any Social Worker trying to stay competitive when funding is getting tighter and evaluation criteria is getting more strict.
A Real Bore.......2005-11-28
I pity those in strategic planning if this textbook is the best around. I found it to be the most boring text I had ever read. It was hard to get more than two pages read before snoozing. I finally gave up and started reading the summaries, and then going back over the details if I had time. In addition to the boredom, the political correctness had me groaning all the way through. Exploration of Venus? - give me a break!
In spite of my disgust with the textbook, the workbook was actually useful. It was to-the-point and much more understandable.
Average customer rating:
- A Great Investor Pulls Back the Veil on One of the Best Run Endowments
- A lot of nothing
- Great, but Swensen's New Book is Better
- solid primer on institutional money management
- Worthwhile addition to your investment library
|
Pioneering Portfolio Management: An Unconventional Approach to Institutional Investment
David F. Swensen
Manufacturer: Free Press
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ASIN: 0684864436 |
Book Description
During his fourteen years as Yale's chief investment officer, David F. Swensen has transformed the management of the university's portfolio. Largely by focusing on nonconventional strategies, including a heavy allocation to private equity, Swensen has achieved an annualized return of 16.2 percent, which has propelled Yale's endowment into the top tier of institutional funds. Now, this acknowledged leader of fund managers draws on his experience and deep knowledge of the financial markets to provide a compendium of powerful investment strategies.
Swensen presents an overview of the investment world populated by institutional fund managers, pension fund fiduciaries, investment managers, and trustees of universities, museums, hospitals, and foundations. He offers penetrating insights from his experience managing Yale's endowment, ranging from broad issues of goals and investment philosophy to the strategic and tactical aspects of portfolio management. Swensen's exceptionally readable book addresses critical concepts such as handling risk, selecting investment advisers, and negotiating the opportunities and pitfalls in individual asset classes. Fundamental investment ideas are illustrated by real-world concrete examples, and each chapter contains strategies that any manager can put into action.
At a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to cope with the relentless challenges provided by today's financial markets, Swensen's book is an indispensable roadmap for creating a successful investment program for every institutional fund manager. Any student of markets will benefit from
Pioneering Portfolio Management.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Investor Pulls Back the Veil on One of the Best Run Endowments.......2007-01-17
Swensen is certainly one of the brightest minds in institutional money management. In a world where there are ten million books on how to pick stocks, trade options, or some other get rich quick scheme, finally a great investor shows the methodology of how significant wealth should be managed. This book is a must read for anyone who manages or invests significant money, even if it isn't institutional assets.
A lot of nothing.......2006-02-07
This book has very little to teach you and it's virtually unreadable. Make sure you read one or two pages before you buy in case you are like me and you can't stand his style.
Great, but Swensen's New Book is Better.......2006-01-19
This book covers the HOW and WHY of diversification. While everyone claims to understand diversification, there have been few individuals or institutions that have actually applied the concepts as well as Swensen.
This book can be a little dry and is geared (in style) more towards institutional investors. His new book "Unconventional Success : A Fundamental Approach to Personal Investment" has all the same lessons but is MUCH MORE readable. Get that book instead: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743228383/
solid primer on institutional money management.......2005-09-15
Swenson's reputation was made by the investment results he has generated, which in turn are based on good insights and steely discipline in managing a portfolio. That said, he could have used an editor on this book. His prose style is almost a mockery of a business presentation - here's what he's going to say, he says it, and then a recap of what he said. Still, his style, with its absolute emphasis on clearly communicating to the reader, is a huge improvement over quasi-academic articles in the Journal of Finance.
Equity bias and diversification - what's new there? Try the new lengths to which Swenson has taken portoflio diversification, and thus he has been able to afford an otherwise unsustainable level of investment in equities. Despite my comments on his style, the chapters on traditional and alternative asset classes can and should be read reptitively. (For fun, simultaeneously flip through _Triumph of the Optimists_, a historical survey of global markets.)
To my mind, the greatest problem fiduciaries seem to have is in staying consistent and disciplined in their approach to markets. While Swenson makes frequent tangential forays into describing the problem and how it manifests, this book on portfolio management would have benefited from a chapter on how to manage an investment team. Clearly stated objectives, consistent application, independence from portfolio managers, individual responsibilities vs. committee consensus, recruiting the right people...there is certainly enough there for a good chapter. The closing chapter on "Investment Process" is a valuable contribution, but it left me wanting to know more.
If you like his institutional book, you will also want to read his book for individual investors, called _Unconventional Success: A Fundamental Approach to Personal Investment_. Swenson shows his flexibility in approach, arguing that individuals should save and invest in ways very different from those he advocates for institutions.
As for _Pioneering Portfolio Management_, buy it, read it, and be a better fiduciary.
Worthwhile addition to your investment library.......2004-12-27
Fine book, it is full of common sense and worth reading. Author covers a variety of topics, from different investment periods of high inflation to stock market bubbles, large cap equities to hedge funds, asset allocation to market timing, active management to passive management...
Book highlights include:
1. Looking beyond mainstream investment opportunities. Benefits awarded to those that travel in illiquid and inefficient segments of the market.
2. Portfolio rebalancing, correlation matrix assumptions, optimizers.
3. Contrarian Investing.
4. Manager performance assessment and biases in index data.
5. Benefits of US Treasuries in a portfolio.
6. Multiple examples of BAD Investment ideas. Panic of 1998. Outlier events.
Neil R. Chelo, CFA
Average customer rating:
|
Governance as Leadership: Reframing the Work of Nonprofit Boards
Richard P. Chait , William P. Ryan , and Barbara E. Taylor
Manufacturer: Wiley
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- Governing for Results: A Director's Guide to Good Governance
- Boards That Make a Difference (J-B Carver Board Governance Series)
ASIN: 0471684201 |
Book Description
A new framework for helping nonprofit organizations maximize the effectiveness of their boards.
Written by noted consultants and researchers attuned to the needs of practitioners, Governance as Leadership redefines nonprofit governance. It provides a powerful framework for a new covenant between trustees and executives: more macrogovernance in exchange for less micromanagement.
Informed by theories that have transformed the practice of organizational leadership, this book sheds new light on the traditional fiduciary and strategic work of the board and introduces a critical third dimension of effective trusteeship: generative governance. It serves boards as both a resource of fresh approaches to familiar territory and a lucid guide to important new territory, and provides a road map that leads nonprofit trustees and executives to governance as leadership.
Governance as Leadership was developed in collaboration with BoardSource, the premier resource for practical information, tools and best practices, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations. Through its highly acclaimed programs and services, BoardSource enables organizations to fulfill their missions by helping build effective nonprofit boards and offering credible support in solving tough problems. For the latest in nonprofit governance, visit www.boardsource.org, or call us at 1-800-883-6262.
Download Description
Larry McMillan's name is virtually synonymous with options. This ""Trader's Hall of Fame"" recipient first shared his perso" "The same critical information top business schools teach
Customer Reviews:
Governance as Leadership.......2005-09-07
I found this book to be a breath of fresh air. It offers a new way of looking at nonprofit boards, in a relatively short, easy to read manner. There is a wealth of information designed to help nonprofit boards of directors become more effective. Unfortunately, existing approaches have been less than successful with most boards. This book identifies the problem as one of purpose rather than performance.
The book identifies three modes that boards of directors can operate in: the traditional fiduciary mode, the strategic mode and the generative mode. The authors emphasize the importance of encouraging board members to engage in generative thinking. Engaging board members in this way makes their work more meaningful and satisfying, while at the same time benefiting the organization through more creative, committed leadership. It suggests signs to look for to identify opportunities for generative thinking.
Another interesting new concept discussed in the book is considering directors as a form of "working capital". This is further broken down into intellectual capital, reputational capital, political capital and social capital. Again, this new framework for looking at what board members have to offer increases the opportunities for them to make meaningful contributions to the organization.
Average customer rating:
- Great discussion of what is really a side topic to Balanced Scorecards
- Church Ministry Aid
- A book for the 21st century
- Clear, informative and highly implementable advice
- Good & Practical Book on Balanced Scorecard
|
Balanced Scorecard Step-by-Step for Government and Nonprofit Agencies
Paul R. Niven
Manufacturer: Wiley
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- The Balanced Scorecard for Public-Sector Organizations
ASIN: 0471423289 |
Book Description
The Balanced Scorecard is the leading methodology for implementing performance management systems and improving efficiency. Focusing directly on the public and not-for-profit sectors, this book helps these organizations overcome the unique challenges they face when implementing a Balanced Scorecard.
- Guides government and nonprofit organizations through the implementation of a performance management system using the Balanced Scorecard.
- Authors bring a wealth of implementation knowledge and experience to this book, leading to hands-on, practical guidance and tips to that ensure success.
- Identifies and tackles head-on the serious obstacles unique to the world of government and nonprofits in implementing the balanced scorecard methodology.
- Includes action plans to walk the reader through specific implementation challenges.
Customer Reviews:
Great discussion of what is really a side topic to Balanced Scorecards.......2006-11-10
Balanced Scorecards make lots of sense for the For-Profit world for which they were originally developed. What makes this book so good is that they have concentrated on what makes Non-Profits different and how to conceptualize how the BC works in that arena. The book is well written and easy to understand. It is a must for all non-profit execs.
Church Ministry Aid.......2006-11-10
Very helpful approach in developing a measuring tool for monitoring ministry growth and tracking to Vision.
A book for the 21st century.......2003-09-20
Niven is one of the best authors on BSC. If this administration and communications tool has been hailed as one the best new concepts in the business world, in nonprofit and government administration it can have even more impact. It is a great general introduction, but even seasoned experts will find enlightenment and a great very updated bibliography. Works very well as a textbook for nonprofit management with HBS cases.
Clear, informative and highly implementable advice.......2003-08-24
Although the Balanced Scorecard has taken over performance mangagement thinking in business, its linkages and adaptability to public and non-profit organizations has remained extremely challenging. I currently am resposible for leading planning and strategy development for a large social services provider in Canada. Being a strong proponent of Balanced Scorecard theory, I anxiously waited two months for Paul Niven's latest book to hit the shelves in hope that I could adapt the balanced scorecard approach to evaluate our organization's strategy. Long story short >> Balanced Scorecard for Government and Nonprofit Agencies was an incredible investment, and we are now on the way to better measuring and reporting on our organization's progress with the help of this book's advice, tips and proecess design steps.
Paul Niven's writing style provides a clear and informative description of the balanced scorecard approach to performance planning and measurement - and presents easy-to-follow steps for designing and implementing performance systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of nonprofit and public sector programs. I highly recommend this easy-to-read book to anyone interested in understanding how the world's leading approach to performance measurement and management can be successfully incorporated into your organization.
Good & Practical Book on Balanced Scorecard.......2003-07-07
I've read most of the literature on the Balanced Scorecard and the previous books by Norton & Kaplan and Paul Niven himself. Being a Management Consultant of 15 years, I worked with numerous for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and have the usual skepticism towards theory books. This latest book on Balanced Scorecard was easy-to-read with numerous examples from Balanced Scorecard implementations in public sector. I found the step-by-step approach to be practical and quite down-to-earth with numerous take aways for a reader interested in BSC or a performance management practitioner, like myself. The book rightly touches upon the challenges in the scorecard implementations, and offers valuable advice. If you haven't read any previous books on this subject, you can read this book alone for a good idea on what the Balanced Scorecard is all about, and how you go about its implementation.
Average customer rating:
- My Board loved the charts
- Strategic leaders at NPOs should read this book
- good basic introduction
- Excellent Resource for Non-profit Boardmembers
- For those serious about strategic planning!
|
Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations, Second Edition
Michael Allison , and Jude Kaye
Manufacturer: Wiley
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Similar Items:
- Managing a Nonprofit Organization in the Twenty-First Century
- Managing the Non-Profit Organization: Principles and Practices
- Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement, 3rd Edition
- Simplified Strategic Planning: A No-Nonsense Guide for Busy People Who Want Results Fast!
- Applied Strategic Planning: How to Develop a Plan That Really Works
ASIN: 0471445819 |
Book Description
Your total guide to putting a powerful management tool to work in your organization
Why strategic planning? Because a well wrought strategic plan helps you set priorities and acquire and allocate the resources needed to achieve your goals. It provides a framework for analyzing and quickly adapting to future challenges. And it helps all board and staff members focus more clearly on your organization's priorities, while building commitment and promoting cooperation and innovation.
But to be effective, your plan will need to address the special needs of the nonprofit sector. And for more than a decade, Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations has been the number-one source of guidance on all facets of strategic planning for managers at nonprofits of every size and budget.
This thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded edition arms you with the expert knowledge and tools you need to develop and implement surefire strategic plans, including tested-in-the-trenches worksheets, checklists, and tables—in print and on the companion CD-ROM—along with a book-length case study that lets you observe strategic planning in action. Packed with real-world insights and practical pointers, it shows you how to:
- Develop a clear mission, vision, and set of values
- Conduct SWOT analyses and program evaluations
- Assess client needs and determine stakeholder concerns
- Set priorities and develop core strategies, goals, and objectives
- Balance the dual bottom lines of mission and money
- Write and implement a solid strategic plan
- Develop a user-friendly annual work plan
- Establish planning cycles, gauge progress, and update strategies
Customer Reviews:
My Board loved the charts.......2007-06-08
The Planning Committee of the Board of Directors at my nonprofit wants to get the full Board engaged in strategic planning within a year. The chart in this book that shows the steps in the process was just what they wanted. It was worth the purchase price...and we haven't started to use it yet!
Strategic leaders at NPOs should read this book.......2006-04-23
The authors of this book do a nice job of condensing the content of their book into a diagram at page 15 that they entitle: "The Strategic Planning Process." Then they explain the diagram chapter by chapter. The chapters are full of good information and lots of exhibits, worksheets, and real-life examples. Job well done! I recommend to anybody interested in preparing a business plan for a for-profit or a nonprofit to read this book. And I also recommend all strategic leaders (i.e. executive directors, board chairs, and CEOs) read this book. It should be helpful to them in performing their job duties.
The book basically points out the following series of questions and/or tasks a strategic leader much consider when doing his or her job:
1. What is the organization doing now?
2. What are its strengths?
3. What are its weaknesses?
4. Are we heading in the direction we want?
5. What must we change to get back on track?
6. Prepare a written plan for change.
7. Implement the plan for change.
8. Monitor the implementation.
9. Reevaluate the plan for change.
I would have liked the book better if the authors had more accurately described what a business plan is, and what it is used for. The authors seem to think that a business plan is something that a for-profit entity creates in order to get loans from lenders or capital from investors. While it is true this is one of the reasons for writing a business plan, the more important reason a plan is written is that it acts as a roadmap for the leader and management of the business to follow towards success. Most businesses that do not have a written business plan are doomed for failure. NPOs without a business plan will probably not be successful either.
Another shortcoming I found in the book was that the authors do not point out that NPOs need a "business plan" just as much as does a for-profit. NPOs also need a roadmap to follow. Whether the authors want to admit it or not, a business plan for an NPO is pretty much the same document as a business plan for an organization seeking profits. The difference between the two plans exists in the marketing section - and that is the only difference. NPOs need to market to their customers/clients and to philanthropists that have a connection and commitment to their cause, whereas for-profit businesses need only market to their customers/clients.
Any NPO should have a business plan starting on the day it comes into existence. The strategic planning process described in this book can be used to create that written business plan. Therefore, this book is for NPO founders. After the business plan exists and it is being used as a roadmap to success, then the effectiveness of the plan must be monitored regularly. When it appears the plan is not proving effective, then the strategic planning process described in this book should be used again to implement change to get the NPO back on track to success.
Strategic leadership is a critical role that any leader must play, and if he or she can't, then she has no business assuming a leadership role. A "leader" who does not know how to perform strategic leadership is merely a manager, not a leader. I think it is a sad state of affaires that so many executive directors and board chairs are clueless when it comes to strategic planning - thus they are just managers. The authors, by writing this book, have created a resource for wanta-be leaders to use to learn how to do an important and critical part of their job - lead strategically.
good basic introduction.......2006-03-17
Book provides a good basic introduction to strategic planning from the non-profit perspective. Although I already knew strategic planning from the corporate side, this book showed how it differs when applied to the non-profit arena. The review of the SWOT process was a bit simplistic, but I found the checklist for evaluating projects helpful. The disc and the worksheets were definitely worth the price of the book
Excellent Resource for Non-profit Boardmembers.......2005-09-30
This book is a step by step guide with suggested modifications to fit the needs of any group. The worksheets, included on an accompanying CD, are very useful. I highly recommend this book to anyone involved in strategic planning for any organization - public, private or non-profit.
For those serious about strategic planning!.......2005-09-12
A great book that does what many non-profit management books don't -- talks about dollars and cents as well as need and impact. CD is underutilized (compared with, say, the CD included with "Non-Profit Kit for Dummies"), but the worksheet concept is good. Their "do either this OR this" might be confusing for novices. Not too far of a stretch to connect this with a "balanced scorecard" evaluation. CompassPoint's Dual Bottom-Line Matrix (p. 188), while complicated-sounding, actually should clarify decision-making for many non-profit managers.
Average customer rating:
- Very Helpful
- Idealistic
- A must-have for not-for-profits!
- Essential for public boards seeking to lead strategically
- Accessible, Codified Common Sense
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Boards That Make a Difference: A New Design for Leadership in Nonprofit and Public Organizations (J-B Carver Board Governance Series)
John Carver
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
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Binding: Hardcover
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Similar Items:
- CarverGuide, Your Roles and Responsibilities as a Board Member (J-B Carver Board Governance Series)
- CarverGuide, Basic Principles of Policy Governance (J-B Carver Board Governance Series)
- Reinventing Your Board: A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Policy Governance (J-B Carver Board Governance Series)
- Planning Better Board Meetings (CarverGuide, Vol. 5)
- Reinventing Your Board (J-B Carver Board Governance Series)
ASIN: 0787908118 |
Book Description
"This book should be in the library of everyone who serves--or aspires to serve--on the governing board of any organization, large or small, nonprofit or corporate. Better than any other available resource, it tells what the roles of board members are and what they must and shouldn't do. An indispensable guidebook to leadership excellence."
--George Weber, secretary general, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva
"John Carver's Boards That Make a Difference was required reading for board members of the Calgary Philharmonic Society. It provided a clear and concise road map with which we carried out significant governance restructuring of the society."
James M. Stanford, president & CEO,, Petro-Canada, and past chairman of the Calgary Philharmonic Society, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
John Carver's groundbreaking Policy Governance model has influenced the way public and nonprofit boards operate around the world. Now, as widespread experience with the model continues to grow, Carver enriches his definitive exposition with updated policy samples, a new chapter on the process of policy development, and additional resources for various types of boards. He debunks the entrenched beliefs about board roles and functions that hamper dedicated board members. With creative insight and commonsense practicality, Carver presents a bold new approach to board job design, board-staff relationships, the chief executive role, performance monitoring, and virtually every aspect of the board-management relationship. In their stead, he offers a board model designed to produce policies that make a difference, missions that are clearly articulated, standards that are ethical and prudent, meetings, officers, and committees that work; and leadership that supports the fulfillment of long-term goals.
Customer Reviews:
Very Helpful.......2003-04-01
The world is full of experts at what is wrong with the things that we do. Dr. Carver has a rock-solid, well thought out suggestion concerning how to do it right. One reviewer complained that Dr. Carver's suggestions are not realistic. Right is not often realistic, but right is always right. It's far better to start with an ideal and compromise from that point than to capitulate from the outset. Boards that Make a Difference is well worth reading.
Idealistic.......1999-06-27
The carver style of governance is a tad idealistic and perhaps overly optimistic. I have read everything Dr Carver has written concerning this field and enjoy this material at an academic level. But when it comes to operationalizing this model in boardrooms I've seen it fail time and time again. Not to say that the model is flawed because in fact the model is normative and conceptually complete. However it doesn't capture that element of reality from which, in my experience, the model requires - practicality and real-world application. Dr Carver's notion that Boards can do without Finance and Audit Committees is very naive. Most consultants from the chartered accountant genre are saying the complete opposite. In fact most government policy initiatives are moving toward more control of financial affairs of organizations for boards from charts of accounts to fiscal policy. So I don't think the elimination of Finance and Audit Committees is realistic nor is it a terribly bright suggestion. I guess my only crticism is that the carver model is far to idealistic and philosophical for a practical application in the form Dr Carver suggests. Sorry but a hybrid model of traditional Board governance and the carver model may work given the commitment required from directors to follow-though on everything suggested in that system of governance,
A must-have for not-for-profits!.......1999-03-29
This book was the core piece of a radical change in our board room. It led us down the path we knew we wanted to go but didn't know how to get there. His model for board room organization could revolutionize boards of companies in transition, like those of the rural electric program in America. It's a road map for where you already know in your heart that you want to go.
Essential for public boards seeking to lead strategically.......1999-01-27
After 5 years on a local Board of Education I finally found a book that describes everything I know is wrong with board management practices in schools and nonprofit organizations. But that is the easy part. Carver offers sound alternatives to current practices that put the responsibility and the capability for strategic leadership right where it belongs--on the board.
I winced as I read Carver's description of reactive boards trapped in the "approval syndrome" in which boards rely on staff to bring issues and recommendations to them for approval. This pervasive practice not only takes board members out of the driver's seat, but it confuses the lines of accountability between the board and the CEO for the organization.
Carver offers a framework for changing all that by forcing the board to rethink all of its policy with an eye toward board-determined policies that operate at the highest level possible. In Carver's approach only four types of policies need to be set by the board: 1) "Ends" policies (board expectations), 2) Executive Limitations (the "don'ts" for the organization), 3) Board process policies and 4) Board-CEO relationship policies. *Everything* you need to be involved in can be fit into one of these four categories.
Want to learn how to stop working at the staff level and how to help your organization find a true sense of direction? Carver's book offers practical and straightforward ways of getting there.
Accessible, Codified Common Sense.......1999-01-24
Mr. Carver presents a very readable way of looking at how governing boards should work. His theories are logical and his arguments pursuasive. He offers board members an intellectual framework to consider how their organizations are running. The book is prescriptive, but not preachy. I was very surprised to find it sensible after hearing so much hype from "converts" to his method.
Average customer rating:
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Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting: Concepts and Practices
Michael H. Granof
Manufacturer: Wiley
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Binding: Hardcover
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Similar Items:
- Governmental Accounting Made Easy
- Core Concepts of Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting
- Not-for-Profit Accounting Made Easy
- Enterprise Information Systems: A Pattern-Based Approach
- Principles of Auditing and Other Assurance Services
ASIN: 047123009X |
Book Description
Revised and updated, Granof’s Third Edition incorporates the latest GASB pronouncements and takes a fresh look at the unique features of governmental and not-for-profit accounting. This text will help you develop a firm grasp of the theory underlying current practice, so you can quickly acquire the skills required of professional accountants and auditors. Throughout, the emphasis is on the significance of reported information and how to interpret and analyze accounting information.
Average customer rating:
- Very helpful for starting a new non-profit
- Great book for Starting a Non/not for profit
- Good Book, but buy the new edition instead
- TOPS!
- A Wonderful Resource
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How To Form A Nonprofit Corporation 7th Edition
Anthony Mancuso
Manufacturer: NOLO
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Binding: Paperback
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- Starting & Building a Nonprofit: A Practical Guide
- Effective Fundraising For Nonprofits: Real World Strategies That Work
- How to Manage an Effective Nonprofit Organization: From Writing and Managing Grants to Fundraising, Board Development, and Strategic Planning
- Nonprofit Kit For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))
- The Nonprofit Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Run Your Nonprofit Organization (Nonprofit Handbook)
ASIN: 141330348X |
Book Description
Create a nonprofit in your state without a lawyer!
The process of becoming a tax-exempt organization may appear intimidating, but with How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation, you can do it quickly, easily and with confidence.
This bestselling book includes complete instructions for obtaining federal 501(c)(3) tax exemption and for qualifying for public charity status with the IRS. It will help you
*complete an IRS tax-exemption application
*prepare articles of incorporation
*write the bylaws of your nonprofit
*fill in minutes of the organizational meeting
*understand your state & specific nonprofit requirements
The 7th edition is completely updated to provide the latest federal and state rules. It also provides the latest forms you need, including the new IRS Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(3)(c).
What are you waiting for? Incorporate your nonprofit without a lawyer and save the money for your worthy cause!
Customer Reviews:
Very helpful for starting a new non-profit.......2007-06-09
Really helped a client of mine in starting up a new non-profit. Clear instructions, lots of advice and online help.
Great book for Starting a Non/not for profit.......2007-05-12
This is a great book!! He tracks the langauges of the required statutes and it has everything you need!! It is "The Bible" of how to books for starting a Non-profit. The only draw back is that it does not give a lot of advice for starting a church. However, that does not diminish its potency.
Good Book, but buy the new edition instead.......2007-01-29
This book helped me a great deal, however the 501c3 application in it is old therefore when you are using the step by step guide in the book on how to fill out the 501c3 application the steps are off and dosen't match the current application. Some steps in the book miss a lot of questions the new application has. My advice, by the new 7th edition instead then you'll get your monies worth. By the time you buy this book and pay shipping it's best to buy the newer version.
TOPS!.......2007-01-06
After reading this book, I found it to contain everything I was hoping for. I don't feel I'll have any trouble now in starting my corporation. Thanks for such a well written educational tool.
A Wonderful Resource.......2006-11-06
This book's title says it all. It gives you the nuts and bolts of how to form a nonprofit corporation. The CD includes many useful documents including the federal tax forms and sample bylaws. If you are planning to found a nonprofit, this step-by-step guide is just what you need.
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- Nonprofit Personnel Policies
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- Towards Financial Self-Reliance: A Handbook of Approaches to Resource Mobilization for Civil Society Organizations in the South
- Exploring the Relationship Between Volunteers and Fundraisers : New Directions for Philanthropic Fundraising (J-B PF Single Issue Philanthropic Fundraising)
- Cost-Effectiveness in the Nonprofit Sector
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