Every non-profit leader needs to wrestle with the issue of how to utilize their power. We all have heard stories where power has been misused and abused even in non-profit leadership. My good friend, Dr. Sandra Bloom has recently designed the Creating PRESENCE model for certifying organizations as trauma-responsive. She has developed 16 different values […]

Most non-profits have difficult missions with a high level of stress for those who are on the front lines. Depending on the degree of stress or trauma that staff members deal with there can be significant brain dysregulation. What that means is that neurologically, certain individuals under extended toxic stress struggle to find healthy ways […]

I can’t think of a more rewarding and challenging role than to lead a non-profit. Those of us who lead such valuable organizations have a unique stewardship that provides so many assets to our communities. It is deeply enriching and gratifying to be able to provide hope and help to so many individuals who have […]

As a non-profit leader we know that the most valuable asset is our staff. We work hard to make sure our staff members are trained, cared for and growing in their capacity and professionalism. So what about our leaders who are providing the supervision and mentoring of that staff? I think we can easily forget […]

As I posted several weeks ago, I feel it is important to celebrate with our staff on their achievements throughout the year. Particularly while working with difficult clients it is significant to acknowledge how challenging this intensely important work is to our clients and their families. Today we had that kind of day at Lakeside. […]

I remember a number of years ago I took a two-week vacation. I returned to work on a Monday and some of my staff and I were talking. They started talking about what they missed about me not being at work. I wondered what they would come up with? Was it my wisdom, expertise, perspective […]

Most non-profits struggle to keep up with the changing trends in technology. I am inundated with technology companies who are wanting to assess us, provide technology services, market us, handle our HR department and provide all kinds of digital options to improve our quality. I find it difficult to even sort out all the opportunities. […]

For Lakeside, June is a month that is replete with celebrations. Since we have four schools there are four different graduation and student awards events. This year we have 3 long-standing staff members who are retiring, and they will have retirement events in honor of their long tenure.  We also have an all-staff picnic day […]

There have been multiple issues facing non-profits in the past several years. The devastating pandemic has had significant impact that has left both clients and staff struggling. Historically many non-profits have struggled with limited funding, resources and staff to achieve their mission. The Great Resignation has also reached into our non-profit world recently and many […]

It is always interesting to see how individuals perceive leaders. For some there is often a level of distrust because of difficult past experiences or perceptions about those who have provided leadership in their lives. Leaders who are caught up in their own hierarchy and/or authority can appear distant and non-caring. Those perceptions can make […]