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Capital Campaigns #7: Beginning the Extended Campaign

As with the basic campaign, you must start with the knowledge of where the commitments will come from to achieve your dollar goal … only this time you are not limiting yourself to a relatively few major donors. This time, in addition to the major donors, you will need specific sums from different segments of …

Managing Polarities

I was recently introduced to the work of Barry Johnson and his book, Polarity Management, in my professional coaches group. Johnson distinguishes between having a problem to solve vs. a polarity to manage. Most of us are familiar with problems- budget reductions, cost overruns, pressing performance goals. Johnson defines problems as those things that are …

Do we Need Innovation in Talent Management?

A recent survey conducted by SHRM indicated that human capital is one of the biggest challenges in the next ten years for business. Recruiting and retaining top talent should already be a number one priority of your talent management strategy; however, the challenge will be in adjusting the strategy to accommodate changes in the workforce.

Foundations of Consulting — Part 4: Types of Consultants

Part 1 of this series is What Do Consultants Do?, which defines a consultant (as Peter Block puts it) as someone who is trying to change another person, process or organization, but who has no direct control over what they are trying to change. That post also listed numerous roles that a consultant might play. …

How NOT to Do Strategic Planning!

I got a call from an organization that was (as they said) “desperate to finally do good strategic planning.” A Far Too-Common Approach to “Strategic Planning” The previous two times they did “planning,” the organization hired a facilitator and: 1. Got Board members together for one retreat. 2. Word-smithed the words on their mission statement. …

Welcome to the Quality Management Blog!

I’m Brian Venge and I’m the host of this blog. You can read more about me next to my picture in the sidebar. This blog will be about various aspects of quality management, and will focus especially on practical tips and tools, including posts from guest writers. You can learn more about this blog by …

Coaching Tip – How to Give Effective Appreciation

When I work with my coaching clients, we discuss the power of expressing consistent appreciation to others. Most people value appreciation and yet do not get the appreciation they feel they deserve – be it employees, associates, customers or family members. Here are 3 tips for giving effective appreciation to others: 1. Be sincere – …