In December, the Thomas Fire burned 440 square miles of Southern California, making it the largest wildfire in state history. It destroyed more than one thousand structures: homes, businesses, schools, and several nonprofit facilities. A subsequent landslide – the technical term is “debris flow” – added to the destruction and … [Read more...]
It’s all about implementation
How many times have you participated in a really productive learning experience – a class, workshop, or webinar – and thought to yourself, “This is terrific stuff. I’m going back to work and I’ll start using it immediately.” And then you didn’t. Why not? Let us count the ways: lack of buy-in from peers, unexpected deadlines, … [Read more...]
Hiring a consultant? How to be an even more savvy consumer
Last month, I published a post about hiring consultants. This piece was passed around, re-posted, and featured on other blogs, including GuideStar. If you read it and shared it – thank you! Because there’s lots more to say (and learn) about this subject, here are five more tips you can use to build productive relationships with … [Read more...]
Year-End Fundraising: Give People What They Want
President Harry Truman once famously said, “The secret of raising children is to find out what they want to do and then encourage them to do it. “ I think that’s great advice – and so did my kids! Note to self (and to you, too): Apply the same advice in your outreach to donors. Year-end fundraising: Beyond the tried-and-true As … [Read more...]
What Do I Do Now? The Facilitator’s Guide to Intuition
Note: This guest post is from Katherine Golub, a personal coach and consultant. To learn more about her work, visit CoreBrillianceAcademy.com. Thanks, Katherine! Have you ever facilitated a meeting where things start to feel off, and you aren’t quite sure what to do next? At those moments, do you wish it was easier to figure out … [Read more...]
What You Can Learn by Training Trainers
When was the last time you spent a year planning something – and then launched it? If you felt that unique combination of excitement, anxiety, satisfaction, and relief, then you’ll understand what I was experiencing a week ago. Last Monday, we rolled out the brand-new Training, Facilitation, and Consulting Certificate Program – a … [Read more...]
Hiring a consultant? How be a savvy consumer
Do you need help? Silly question … who doesn’t? As the gig economy expands, many nonprofits and businesses are turning to consultants and contractors to help with a variety of tasks, and to supplement staff capacity. For example, I’m recruited as a consultant to train board and staff members, lead community workshops, … [Read more...]
Graphic Facilitation 101: Telling Your Story Visually
For years, I’ve been fascinated by the work of graphic facilitators, thanks in large part to my friend Julie Stuart at Making Ideas Visible. If you can imagine capturing a meeting or planning session in a series of images – and using what you’ve captured to advance the conversation – you'll begin to understand the power of this … [Read more...]
How to Claim Your Trainer Power
In Tucson, where I lived for many years, there’s a popular line of t-shirts based on the Mexican card game loteria. My favorite, El Mundo, features a picture of Atlas balancing the world on his shoulders. He’s the same fellow, sculpted in bronze, who towers over Rockefeller Center in New York City – knees bent, biceps bulging, head … [Read more...]
How I Started My Consulting Business
In 1993, I sat down with my boss – the last boss I’ve ever had – and said, “I’m giving you two year’s notice.” To his credit, he didn’t laugh. He looked at me, a little confused, and said, “What are you talking about?” “I’m starting a consulting business,” I said, “and I’m going to do it a little at a time.” “OK,” he said. “Tell … [Read more...]