I have been so fortunate to meet leaders, staff, board members and participants in dozens of organizations over the years. Many have implemented a few simple steps that supported greater impact and sustainability in their organizations. Resolve to use some of these tips in your organization in 2011!
Simplify your record keeping. Quite simply, having to go back and reconstruct data after the fact is time consuming, frustrating and often inaccurate. But complex data systems can make regular record-keeping a chore. When possible record your data in its final form right as you are gathering it. Having a computer in front of you while you talk to a client might seem like a barrier, but enables you to record your observations accurately. Having fields organized in a logical order helps, too. At the Improve Group, we usually plan our recording system at the same time we are thinking through the logistics of how data will be gathered; including determining how information will be recorded and whether or not any fields can be automatically updated or filled in from another source.
Use meetings wisely. While everyone’s time is tight, 10 minutes in a meeting can potentially save, well, many more minutes on email. In addition, discussing topics like emerging issues, findings from evaluations, or what is new in your field can be invigorating and motivating. Incorporate some time into each meeting for discussion. If the meeting is recurring, you can rotate responsibilities for selecting discussion topics or facilitation among participants. If the meeting is focused on a specific topic, you can still open or close with “what are you thinking about today” or “what seemed important in our discussion today.”
Set goals. Improve Group Project Director Liz Radel Freeman helped us try SMART goals for our own personal New Years resolution two years ago, to great success. Think about what your goals for your organization are for the year. Ask leaders, board members, staff and other stakeholders to set personal goals that support your organization’s goals. Give yourself a chance to check in on those goals regularly, and support each other along the way.
Have fun. Recognize that part of your work in an organization is to be part of the organization. That means taking time to celebrate successes, or a break from your normal routine to connect with your colleagues personally. At the Improve Group, we try to schedule a fun event – a lunch out, a picnic, a video game tournament – about once a quarter. It feels like a luxury to just enjoy each others’ company, but the renewed energy and support we have for each other make it worthwhile.I have been so fortunate to meet leaders, staff, board members and participants in dozens of organizations over the years. Many have implemented a few simple steps that supported greater impact and sustainability in their organizations. Resolve to use some of these tips in your organization in 2011!
Simplify your record keeping. Quite simply, having to go back and reconstruct data after the fact is time consuming, frustrating and often inaccurate. But complex data systems can make regular record-keeping a chore. When possible record your data in its final form right as you are gathering it. Having a computer in front of you while you talk to a client might seem like a barrier, but enables you to record your observations accurately. Having fields organized in a logical order helps, too. At the Improve Group, we usually plan our recording system at the same time we are thinking through the logistics of how data will be gathered; including determining how information will be recorded and whether or not any fields can be automatically updated or filled in from another source.
Use meetings wisely. While everyone’s time is tight, 10 minutes in a meeting can potentially save, well, many more minutes on email. In addition, discussing topics like emerging issues, findings from evaluations, or what is new in your field can be invigorating and motivating. Incorporate some time into each meeting for discussion. If the meeting is recurring, you can rotate responsibilities for selecting discussion topics or facilitation among participants. If the meeting is focused on a specific topic, you can still open or close with “what are you thinking about today” or “what seemed important in our discussion today.”
Set goals. Improve Group Project Director Liz Radel Freeman helped us try SMART goals for our own personal New Years resolution two years ago, to great success. Think about what your goals for your organization are for the year. Ask leaders, board members, staff and other stakeholders to set personal goals that support your organization’s goals. Give yourself a chance to check in on those goals regularly, and support each other along the way.
Have fun. Recognize that part of your work in an organization is to be part of the organization. That means taking time to celebrate successes, or a break from your normal routine to connect with your colleagues personally. At the Improve Group, we try to schedule a fun event – a lunch out, a picnic, a video game tournament – about once a quarter. It feels like a luxury to just enjoy each others’ company, but the renewed energy and support we have for each other make it worthwhile.