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The Eyes of the Organization

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A User’s Guide to Fostering Organizational Innovation
by Beth Glick

Innovation. Wherever you look – whether it’s the corporate, non-profit or Jewish communal sector – everyone’s talking about it.

Some say the power of the word “innovation” has been diluted by its overuse. Others say just the opposite – its mainstreaming illustrates a positive change in the Jewish communal sector. Some use the word to build excitement around a movement or an initiative, while others use it to tactically fill gaps in the sector that have not been traditionally filled. Like the desert manna, “innovation” can mean almost anything you want it to.

… Innovation begins with a creative impulse or idea, but does not end there. It culminates in implementation and the subsequent change it effects, and in reflection sets the stage for further change and growth.

(click here to access the guide)

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Comments

  1. Thanks for posting Beth’s resource!

    Here are my two favorite things that she said.

    11. Showcase successes and learnings from inside and outside of your organization.

    12. Open up the verticals so that funders and other stakeholders can see the idea flow within the organization.

    One way to find out if an organization is going to work for you is to ask them in your interview, “How are successes celebrated here?”
    I talk about other good questions to ask here:
    http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/elementary-dear-interview-find-boss-bully/

    Organizational innovation is my new favorite nonprofit field to focus on. Because so many nonprofits say that they’re too strapped for cash to innovate, or pause and celebrate successes. Everyone’s siloed off in their little corners.

    A book that I love on organizational innovation is:
    May, Matthew. The Elegant Solution. Simon & Schuster/Free Press. New York, NY 2007

    And Also,
    Innovator’s Toolkit- Silverstein, David. Samuel, Philip. Decarlo, Neil. Wiley & Sons. 2009. Hoboken.

    I would have liked to see more processes for innovative thinking outlined in Beth’s resource. The innovator’s toolkit has it.

    Sincerely,

    Mazarine