Principal Ellis Katsof Retires a Third Time. Reflecting on my Protirement and the Decision to be an Osborne Consultant.
(Updated from June 28, 2021 Post) In January 2016, after 36 years, I retired from my social work career. Not knowing what I wanted to do in my retirement, I began speaking to colleagues who had already retired and were really enjoying themselves. Their stories were so...
Finding the Balance: When Is “Good Enough” Sufficient in Not-for-Profit Leadership?
Leading a not-for-profit is a demanding role, requiring leaders to navigate financial constraints, limited staffing, and high expectations. While many strive for perfection, research suggests that prioritizing effectiveness over flawlessness can lead to better...
Managing Change in Turbulent Times
Many of our employees today are feeling off-center. And who can blame them given the ever-fluctuating positions on US tariffs – in manufacturing, energy, and agriculture – and the ongoing threats to Canadian sovereignty – whether these are real or simply bluster. A...
Creating a High Functioning Not-for-Profit Board
Not-for-profit boards are one way that volunteers contribute their time, energy and leadership skills to support organizations that help create a more complete social safety net in our communities. Currently, I devote my spare time to supporting bereaved parents and...
The Gift of Honest Feedback
We know feedback is important to organizations yet as reported by Michael Blanding in the Harvard Business Review in 2022, a Gallup poll found only 26 percent of employees strongly believe that the feedback they receive helps their performance. Meantime, Blanding...
Strategic Planning for Not-for-Profits: Best Practices and Trends
Strategic planning is essential for Not-for-Profits, enabling them to refine their mission, establish long-term strategic priorities, and chart the course to achieve those goals. With more than twenty strategic plans under my belt over the past decades, I've witnessed...
