One of the greatest challenges that confronted me when I assumed the role of head of school was the contrast in personalities between my predecessor and me. In many ways we were polar opposites, including our general affect, how we interacted with others and in the amount of quiet, private time (with the door closed) that we wanted or
A story is told about a reporter who was interviewing a successful bank president. He wanted to know the secret of the man’s success. "Two words,” he was told, “Right decisions.” “And how do you make right decisions?” asked the reporter. The reply: “One
In his NYTimes.com article “The ‘Busy’ Trap,” Tim Kreide writes: “If you live in America in the 21st century you’ve probably had to listen to a lot of people tell you how busy they are. It’s become the default response when you ask anyone how they’re doing: “Busy!” “So busy.” “Crazy busy.” It is, pretty obviously, a boast
There is a common phenomena that individuals as well as organizations tend to do when getting caught up in either projects and/or activities that do not solely focus on their mission. Losing track of what their overall initial intended goals, missions and purposes are, can often land up being neglected. The High Holidays are just that
The phenomenon is well known: when you buy a new car, that same model car is suddenly at the forefront of your awareness. If that same car model happens to come into your peripheral vision, presto! You notice it. This experience has frequently happened to me, but recently manifested itself in a slightly more
A nonprofit is a business! Every nonprofit needs to run like a business in order to be successful. A nonprofit organization is just the flip of a for-profit business. Whereas a for-profit engages in a set of activities in order to make money, a nonprofit organization takes
Any synagogue board president or board member I have spoken to almost always has an interesting anecdote, sometimes humorous, to share with me about their board. The challenge of finding the best lay-leaders from your synagogue membership to serve on your board can be challenging. Most synagogue by-laws dictate terms for board members to serve. This generally results in at least some annual movement in
The Art and Science of Melamdus is an online on-demand course available for all mechanchim and mechanchos. The course consists of four modules: Planning and Delivering a Shiur, Classroom Management, Discipline and Understanding Learning Styles,
Have you ever felt that you could use some direction in advancing your organization? Perhaps a personal mentor or course designed just for you to upgrade your marketing and fundraising skills. Then NextDor is just what you’ve been looking for. NextDor is an organization founded by a group of
“Joining a new company is akin to an organ transplant—and you’re the new organ. If you’re not thoughtful in adapting to the new situation, you could end up being attacked by the organizational immune system and rejected.” ― Michael D. Watkins
