I was honored to speak to the GOVERNOR’S Conference yesterday in Indianapolis. The commitment to this conference by Governor Pence himself, who opened the conference, and then the entire staff of folks collaborating to lead and provide this conference, was impressive.

I gave the keynote, weaving together insights and challenges from the terrific book Blue Ocean Strategy, and including plenty on the power of collaboration, especially from Twyla Tharp’s The Collaborative Habit
.

As I spoke, observed, listened, and attended break out sessions, the formula became clear. Here it is:

start with good intentions (most nonprofit leaders have such wonderful and pure motivation behind their work)
then
add in clear, good strategy
then
focus on executing that strategy
then collaborate effectively.

And I made this observation — we have to be really good, and intentional, and continual, in our networking, in order to build those collaborations.

So, take a careful look at your own nonprofit organization. Are you following this formula?