When I led a for-profit company, we used to talk about “creative friction”- a condition whereby people with different opinions on a particular topic were encouraged to voice their opinions and provide evidence to substantiate their positions. It was very helpful in our doing the absolute best for our clients and the organization. The same principal applies to nonprofits today.
No one needs “yes men” especially in this economic environment. Successful organizations and nonprofits need straight talk like never before. Do you have an open environment where people feel free and empowered to voice their opinions and disagree with the powers that be? What can you do to promote healthy exchanges of ideas? Call me and let’s talk about that…