You’re Not the Boss of Me! 5 Secrets of Leading Networks Without Authority

Sometimes network structures are mistaken for associations or federations. Some shrug off the confusion, “What’s the difference...and who cares!” they might say. Isn’t “network” just another word for “organization”? Networks are hugely different from traditional organizations and the differences are enormously important to how well and powerfully we can work with others to accelerate and magnify important work. In my experience there are 5 “secrets” for how to enjoy a network experience and optimize the power of a great network while also taking pleasure in nobody “being the boss of me.”

Leadership, Trust, Co-CreationStephanie ClohesyOctober 21, 2021networks, leadershipComment

Going Deep To Cope With The Everyday Realities Of Seeking Equity

2020 was a year that challenged our assumptions about almost everything...our health, safety, how we work, how we communicate! And it revealed many new nooks and crannies about how we work for and achieve equity in our society where the equity chasm seems to grow by the day.

EquityStacy Van GorpFebruary 19, 2021Equity, leadership, change, trustComment

Inviting Diverse Voices to the Table

Many organizations are looking for ways to diversify the voices around the table at meetings, on boards, or on their staff. However, it goes against practices of diversity, equity and inclusion to simply invite without a clear purpose, role, or attempting to cultivate a relationship.

Stacy Van GorpDecember 17, 2020Diversity, Equity, leadershipComment

The Staff Executive and the Volunteer Board Chair--Smooth Sailing or Rough Sea?

One of the most important--if not sacred--bonds in organizations is the partnership between the staff Executive (e.g. President, CEO, Executive Director) and the Board Chair, usually a volunteer who has a history of service to the organization. Most organizations handle board leadership transitions as a “taking turns” experience. Thought goes into it but more often than not the decision is more about circumstances than strategic process or planning.

Stacy Van GorpDecember 11, 2020Decisions, planning, strategic planning, board chair, executive, leadership, transition, partnership, volunteer, assessment, transparencyComment