Talbott Blog
7 Key Lessons Every Business Leader Should Learn from a Fellow Central Indiana CEO
Last week, I came across a LinkedIn post by Leslie Bailey, the founder of Indy Maven. She shared some powerful insights on the lessons she learned when she had to close Maven Space, her coworking and event space. While Leslie's focus was on her own experience, I found myself reflecting on how much of what she said applies to anyone running a business, especially in the nonprofit world.
Here are a few key takeaways from Leslie’s post that really stood out to me.
We’re Asking Leaders the Wrong Questions
Here’s the problem: We ask nonprofit CEOs, executives, and board members to predict how they’d act in a tough situation instead of looking at how they’ve actually handled challenges before. But leadership isn’t theoretical. Leadership is what you do when you’re in the seat.
From “I Hate People: to a People-First Approach in Life
Fast forward to today, and I run a people-first business. I spend my days talking with nonprofit leaders, helping them build strong teams and make important decisions, and investing in relationships that truly matter. And if you asked most people who know me, they’d probably say, Leah’s a people person.
How I Learned to be a Better Manager as a Nonprofit Professional
Like many new nonprofit managers, I had to go with my gut. As a new 20-something manager whose instincts weren’t fully developed and who didn’t have many examples of good managers, I didn’t have the greatest success. Fortunately, I’ve grown a lot in my 25+ year career in nonprofit leadership.
How to Prepare for a Nonprofit Board President Transition
As a board president, your invaluable experience and insights can significantly impact the future success of the organization, but only if that knowledge is effectively transferred to your successor. In this blog post, I'll share practical strategies and advice to ensure a seamless transition as you pass the baton to the president-elect.
Talbott Talks: E-Myth
A topic that has been coming up a lot lately in my conversations is one that is prominent throughout the book the E-Myth, by Michael E. Gerber. It’s the concept of the tension and difficulty found between spending your time working “on” versus “in” your organization. While the E-Myth is focused on the “Entrepreneurial Myth”, I think it’s important to recognize that it also has implications for nonprofits.
The Gift of Being Vulnerable
I didn’t know if my personal experience and perspective was something that anyone wanted or cared to hear. But I knew in my heart, I wanted – maybe even needed – to share my story with you.
Talbott Talks: A Model for Change
If we want to get different results than we are getting today, we have to change our habits, and in order to change our habits, we have to change our actions. In order to change our actions, we need new and different thinking, and in order to start thinking differently, we need to gather new information.
Board Matrix: The #1 Tool to Build Your Nonprofit’s Dream Board
Establishing a dream board involves taking a strategic, intentional approach to whom you bring onto your board. A board matrix is a simple but effective tool that provides a complete picture of your current board.
Talbott Talent Celebrates 5 Years of Transforming Nonprofits through Their People
Right now, celebrating our 5th anniversary in business, we are uniquely positioned for our greatest impact yet. We have the right people on our team to dramatically change the way nonprofits hire. We are a team of like-minded, principled, thought leaders.