Lens on Leadership

Two-minute tips for leaders on how to create the types of vision, plan, and culture that will move the needle for your mission.

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David Wagner David Wagner

When does Resilience become Toxic?

Resilience may be a necessary crisis response – but it is not a sustainable state. Reset expectations so that enduring crises is an exception, not the norm.

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David Wagner David Wagner

Your Mission is Not Your Why

Whether you’re developing strategy, setting goals for your team, or planning an ask or offer for funders, don’t let what you do crowd out why you do it. Begin with purpose.

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David Wagner David Wagner

What is this Meeting About, Again?

Meetings can easily go off-topic even when you painstakingly prepare an agenda. Make a point to discuss what's most important, whether it's on the agenda or not.

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David Wagner David Wagner

I Wasn’t Sure this was Possible

It can be difficult to see transformation while it’s happening – especially when you’re the one leading the charge. Here are tips to stay motivated when you feel your resolve waning.

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David Wagner David Wagner

3 Tips for Making Asks that Get a “Yes”

Don’t beat around the bush. If you need someone’s help to make your mission a success, ask - in a way that is clear, explicit, and shows that you value your relationship with them.

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David Wagner David Wagner

Get Unstuck: From Roadblocked to Resolved

It’s no fun feeling stuck. Thorny issues can totally consume your energy. Working with an independent guide can help you get unstuck - quickly - so you can get back to focusing on your mission.

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David Wagner David Wagner

Get Unstuck: Find the First Move

Having a realistic first move to get from where you are to where you’d like to be is the final step in getting unstuck. Finding your way is much easier with these three techniques.

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David Wagner David Wagner

5 Ways to Be an Awesome Mentor

Mentoring others is one of the great joys of being a leader. It’s also an important part of building your organization’s capacity.

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David Wagner David Wagner

Progress vs. Togetherness

Making progress takes a lot of pushing. Making change last requires everyone to advance together. Effective leadership requires that you strike the balance.

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David Wagner David Wagner

3 Keys to Balanced Boards

Commitment to your mission is not the only factor in your board’s effectiveness. Boards must also balance their governance capacity and their understanding of your organization's character.

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David Wagner David Wagner

We Need to Talk

Worried about the consequences of bringing up an uncomfortable topic? The consequences of staying silent are often more concerning.

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David Wagner David Wagner

4 Steps to Uncompromising Inclusion

It is tempting to exclude voices that conflict with our mission. Practice inclusivity without compromising your values by listening to legitimate stakeholders, even if you don't adopt their input.

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David Wagner David Wagner

Embrace Your Uniqueness

Embrace what makes you *you* (as an individual or as an organization), instead of conforming to limiting beliefs about how you “should” be.

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