“Good
management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so
constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them.” Paul
Hawken
Leadership,
ethics, accountability and transparency are all words that come to mind when we
think of effective organizations. It seems so simple. Yet, every day we hear of
poor management decisions, loss of focus and corruption that threaten
businesses and governments around the world.
How does an
organization maintain its effectiveness and relevance?
By
taking the time to understand and clarify its mission, values and vision.
The
thoughtful development and clear communication of your philosophies and goals
will provide a direction for the future. A good mission statement succinctly
explains why you exist, what you do and what difference you make. It will be
the spark to motivate and inspire others and it will serve as a vehicle to
enable transformation.
Organizations
that serve people define their
commitment to providing supports and services that are person-centered through
their mission, values and vision. This serves as a blueprint for
all actions and decisions. Responsible leaders incorporate the organization’s
passion and purpose into every aspect of governance. A strategic vision that is
aimed at accomplishing the organization’s mission in an ethical, transparent
manner that respects all people is communicated daily through policy, decisions
and actions.
Organizations
with a commitment to providing person-centered services and supports achieve
this in many ways. Meaningful leadership
roles for employees, individuals receiving supports and their families are
promoted and valued. Community and Board members are fully involved in the organization’s
mission and activities. This interweaving of roles and responsibilities creates
a positive culture of encouragement, success and possibilities. There is a clearly
defined leadership; however, it is not limited to a select few. People are assisted
to make contributions and to become leaders to the extent they choose. There is
a seamless connection between leaders, employees and all stakeholders that
reviews and assesses the organization’s systems and practices. The mission,
values and vision are guides for problem solving, strategic planning and setting
priorities.
In a
person-centered organization there is emphasis on the individual. Systems and practices are designed to support services
that respect and value individual needs and preferences. This is present at all
levels of the organization and is part of its culture. It is not just a “motto”
on a plaque in the director’s office that must be memorized annually. Rather, a
person-centered orientation represents what the organization stands for and as
such, is known and practiced by everyone because “this is what we do”.
Resources
The
National Council of Non-Profits http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/
The
National Organization for Human Services http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/
Independent
Sector https://www.independentsector.org/about
Board
Source http://www.boardsource.org/
The Colorado
Developmental Disabilities Council developed a guide to
the meaningful participation of persons with developmental disabilities on
Boards, Councils and Commissions. http://www.coddc.org/PDFs/CDDC-BoardsBro-Web.pdf
Free Management Help http://managementhelp.org/boards/index.htm#anchor155229