Novac Notes

Explore Novac Notes for musings, insights, and perspectives on the nonprofit sector and some of the biggest challenges and experiences that mission-driven orgs face today.

Leadership Jenny Novac Leadership Jenny Novac

Nonprofit ED Appreciation Post

The nonprofit Executive Director position (among other leadership positions) seems to be more challenging than ever. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the many ways these leaders make a difference, despite these challenges and sector-wide issues. Let’s envision a future where nonprofit leadership looks and feels better.

Read More
Leadership, Boards Jenny Novac Leadership, Boards Jenny Novac

Reviving Your Board

Many nonprofits are grappling with how to leverage, engage, or full-on revive their boards. Here are some ideas to help you do just that—from humanizing this collective to right-sizing your expectations, relationship-managing directors, determining member exit and entry plans, and creating the capacity needed to properly manage board relations.

Read More
Organizational Culture, Leadership Jenny Novac Organizational Culture, Leadership Jenny Novac

The Power of Saying “No”

Glorified nonprofit cultures of yes, yes, yes, and more, more, more—all in the name of the mission—lead to burnout. That’s no good. Our mission and our work shine when we are thriving. So how do we uphold our mission while nurturing a culture of thrivability? I think one important way is by learning to say “no”—so that you can confidently say “yes” when it really matters.

Read More
Organizational Culture, Leadership Jenny Novac Organizational Culture, Leadership Jenny Novac

New Year, New Team Culture

We all know that the start of the new year is a time for personal resolution and, hopefully, a good party. But then January 2 rolls around and many of us fall right back into the nonprofit hamster wheel of chaos, with no plan to reconnect or time to think big. There are small, meaningful ways to break this cycle, if you’re willing. Here are some new year hacks to try with your team.

Read More

By signing up to receive this template, you’re also signing up for the Novac Consulting email list. You can unsubscribe at any time.