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Extending the life of committees
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementCommittees begin the year with enthusiasm. They receive assignments from the board and authority from the bylaws. An orientation and policies point them in the right direction. Volunteer groups supplement the work of the board, vet ideas, engage members, and develop future leaders. They can tackle tough issues, create new programs and generate income. They have a variety of names, each with similar purpose. Others disband when their assignment is completed.
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The unique challenges of ESL literacy
Douglas Magrath EducationTeachers may have some students in their class who cannot read or write English. Their home language may have a non-Latin alphabet, or they may not be literate in their home language. Other students’ speaking skills may be at a higher level than their reading and writing ability. Pre-beginning or preliterate learners present a unique challenge to the ESL teacher accustomed to students who can write the Latin alphabet. Should we delay communication functions while teaching the writing system? Or should the learners first study by listening and repeating without using the written language?
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It’s time to take charge of your own brand
Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementHere’s an easy way to think about your brand: you are who others think you are. Who someone thinks you are is behind every visceral reaction he or she has whenever you come to mind. That is a profound statement, but undeniably true. You do it. I do it. The person three doors down from where you work does it. Every single person with whom you’ve come in contact begins to build a list of descriptors to define what they believe is true about your brand. Because you live in your own skin, you’ve built a perception of your own brand that is what you want it to be. More often than not, it differs from what others believe it to be.
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Move from employee engagement to organizational alignment for increased…
Art Johnson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementEmployee engagement has become the standard for understanding how employees feel about working at your organization. Organizational alignment is the next step in evolution beyond engagement. Organizational alignment and employee engagement both have their place, but if you want to see increases in performance and metrics, you want to look at measures that are organizationally focused, not employee focused.
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Determining your company’s value: The problem with business valuation…
Chris Younger Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThere are numerous business valuation tools and calculators out there that claim to be the best and most accurate way to determine your company’s worth. However, these calculators are not the answer for business owners looking to sell and can be dangerous if used without careful consideration. In this article, we will discuss the pitfalls of business valuation calculators and why owners should explore other methods for determining the value of their business.
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Podcast: The key traits of a successful cash-practice entrepreneur
Jarod Carter Healthcare AdministrationJarod Carter is often asked, "What is the key to success as an entrepreneur?" Based on what he’s observed in his own businesses as well as the many other practice owners he’s coached in his Mastermind group, the main factor governing your results is always the perspective you apply as you begin. By mastering the right mindset, you can create a fulfilling opportunity to serve your patients instead of turning yourself into a stressed-out workaholic.
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Balancing edtech and digital equity during COVID-19 recovery
Sheilamary Koch EducationLast year’s epic move to online learning gave educators tangible evidence of how technology can enhance education — and where it falls short. Edtech solutions are expected to remain front and center even as schools transition back to in-person classes. And while the discussion involves the ins and outs of top education technology offerings, it goes much deeper to include issues of identity and student empowerment.
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How to govern more efficiently
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementIn a regional webinar on good governance the chief elected president said, "Bob taught us these practices years ago. We adopted them and now have a more efficient board." When meeting with boards I ask how the governance routines came about. The common answer, "We’ve always done it this way." For example: Why does the board meet every month? Who designed the agenda with more than a dozen reports and updates? How did the board grow to be 28 directors and officers? I thought about the president’s comments about board efficiency. Try these practices to improve governance.
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When I’m elected president, I’m going to ‘fix’…
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementMost elected leaders know their role is to advance the mission and serve the membership. Others have their own approach. The best question from an incoming president is, “Where is the strategic plan? My job is to advance the existing plan.” A strategic plan is a multiyear roadmap for successive officers and boards. The document helps stay the course. An incoming president wreaks havoc by ignoring the plan in favor of a personal agenda. I have seen presidents unpack a suitcase full of personal priorities. They have given little thought as to how their interests fit within the existing plan.
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Infographic: How to become an entrepreneur
Brian Wallace Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIf you go back a few generations in time, entrepreneurs were not all about the glitz and glamor of today. It was actually a looked down upon profession. So, what’s changed in the world? Entrepreneurship only works properly with a contract with society to succeed.
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