Understanding Talent Management

February is a nice time of year to take stock on your progress with your new year's priorities. Here at Capability Company, we've been busy responding to your feedback and adding new features to our website. What's new, you ask? Well...

First, a number of nonprofit leaders asked us for help to better understand and prepare for organizational transitions, but didn't actually have a vacancy on the staff. We responded by developing a new product - an Understanding Talent Management white paper and documentation worksheet just for them (and you). We are excited to make it available to you on our website. Check it out!

We are also partnering with colleagues to provide additional resources to build on your personal and professional development successes of 2009—we’ll add them to this new section of our website in the near future.

Your feedback to our surveys has been fantastic! We are incorporating your input into our website, too... Take a look at the new list of programs and associations you wanted to share with colleagues in 2010.

And, as always, you can find a listing of upcoming events, our current searches, and this month's article, introducing our new Talent Management product, in this ezine.

Have a great month!

Sherry Heuser

President, Capability Company

Click here to meet the rest of our staff.
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Current Searches

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Good business comes from good referrals. If you like the work we do, please remember to pass our name along to those in need of our services. Thank you.

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Article of the Month

Word count: 336
Approximate Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Understanding Talent Management

by Julie Lemond

The only constant in life is change. Change can be anxiety-producing, or it can be seen as an opportunity for growth. We all know if we anticipate change and are ready for it, the transition goes more smoothly; if we aren’t prepared, panic often ensues. Leadership changes can be more easily embraced if your agency has a strong but dynamic strategic plan and talent management program.

There are many resources for strategic planning available, but we had difficulty finding information about talent management that related well to nonprofit organizations. We heard the concerns and wishes of board members and executive directors, researched the topic, and decided to create the materials ourselves. The resulting documents, Understanding Talent Management and The Documentation Worksheet, will assist you in the development of internal talent and in recruiting and assimilating new talent.

A thorough process goes beyond succession planning—our comprehensive guide offers insightful suggestions regarding the development of success profiles for key positions, the identification of departmental and individual gaps in skills, and the evaluation of the future needs of the organization as well as an individual’s aspirations. A plan for monitoring these dynamic facets and maintaining agency records rounds out the process.

You may find that with this open process of planning for the agency’s need for new skills and nurturing employees’ career growth, you will have less turnover and your staff may by the ones identifying new talent to meet the needs of the growing agency. And if you are faced with a vacancy, you will know you have an opportunity on your hands, not a roadblock.

Bottom Line: A strong talent management program can turn a difficult situation into a valuable opportunity—and we can help you navigate your way to success.

Julie LeMond is a freelance writer specializing in nonprofit management issues.

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Event Calendar

Visit the current calendar of events on our website.

New Year, New Me? Not Really!

Ahhh....January....A time to start fresh, revisit our goals and ambitions, clear out the clutter, and refocus our priorities. Many are thinking about that next phase in life - a job change, going back to school, or even retirement.

In this month's article, Pamela Kearney, a recently retired professional fundraiser, shares her perspective on her recent transition into retirement. Through this experience, she shows us that whatever has changed or will change for us in 2010, we will each be the same person heading into the new year that we were at the end of last year, so we should pay attention to who we really are and use that as our foundation to approach our own next endeavor.

As always, we have for you a listing of upcoming events and our current searches. If you know anyone looking for a top-notch nonprofit professional, please pass along this message and ask that person to contact us. We stand ready to help.

Happy adventures in 2010!

Sherry Heuser

Click here to meet the rest of our staff.
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Current Searches

View current searchs on our website.

Good business comes from good referrals. If you like the work we do, please remember to pass our name along to those in need of our services. Thank you.

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Article of the Month

Word count: 336
Approximate Reading Time: 3 Minutes

New Year, New Me? Not Really!

by Pamela Kearney

I’ve come to the realization that my status within retirement is a bigger issue to others than to me. Prior to and after the actual retirement transition, conversations have consistently contained inquiries about “living . . . after work.”

“So, Pam, what are you going to be doing in retirement?” Or, “We can’t imagine you stopping; what will you be doing in retirement?” All of these inquiries were showered in full view of hundreds of moving boxes in various stages of packing and unpacking.

I was probably the one more aware of the close-ended question. It seemed as if my job and its various activities were the ingredients that defined me in other people’s eyes. Quite honestly, the retirement process wasn’t as stressful as the need to define what I was going to be doing “after work.”

Like many others, my husband and I had read many retirement manuals on “how to” and “pitfalls to avoid in retirement.” We even delved into Don’t Retire, Rewire! (Sedlar & Miners, 2003).

Three months into the new chapter of my life, I strongly believe that the ingredients that defined me in the past are the tools that will assist me in the journey ahead. Those tools are not the previous job or its related activities, but the skills that are inherent and helped me to be an effective leader.

I have found that my ability to relate to people, bring them together, facilitate dialogue, and quickly solve problems has made our well planned transition much more smooth. We have already connected to others, while at the same time cherishing and keeping alive the relationships among past colleagues.

Most importantly, I’m comfortable with what gifts and skills I bring to any new adventure to which I am invited or choose to participate. This may seem basic; but read any retirement survey . . . those who are happiest “living . . . after work,” seemed to have embraced their self identity. They embrace the new opportunities that come their way.

The Bottom Line: Even though I have retired, WHO I am hasn't changed. My employment status, geographic location, and contact information have, but my skills, interests, values and style haven't. I am still the same person, and will be bringing this same self to my next adventure.

Pamela C. Kearney has spent 30 plus years in development, fundraising and organizational leadership. Her most recent service was president of a healthcare foundation in the midwest. Pamela can be reached at pamelackearney@gmail.com.

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Event Calendar

Visit the current calendar of events on our website.

Make-A-Wish, Eastern NC Names New President/CEO & Dirctor of Development

(Raleigh, NC - December 2009) Ziva Raney, currently serving as Director of Development with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina, has been appointed to President and CEO of the same organization, following a year of interim leadership and an extensive nation-wide search.

Prior to joining Make-A-Wish in 2008, Ms. Raney served as the Associate Executive Director of the Durham-Chapel Hill Jewish Federation. Her earlier experience includes leadership roles in nonprofit organizations and programs in Arkansas, New York and Washington, D.C.

Ms. Raney’s past experience as an Executive Director, as well as her recent tenure at Make-A-Wish, make her an ideal fit for the top staff position. Her extensive work to revitalize and build the development program at Make-A-Wish has strengthened the organization’s position, and her commitment to seeing their plans for growth succeed will further her impact.

Immediately upon her appointment as CEO, Ms. Raney completed a search for a new Development Director to continue the organization’s work to fulfill their aggressive fundraising plans. Don Fowler, formerly with Duke University and the Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center, has been hired to fill this role. Mr. Fowler’s previous experience with financial institutions and athletic development provide an extensive background in relationship building and fundraising, and his management skills will be essential to realizing Make-A-Wish’s goals.

“We are honored to have had the opportunity to continue to partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and are excited about the future of this organization” stated Sherry Heuser, President of Capability Company, the consulting firm that supported the searches. “We know Ms. Raney’s compelling vision, paired with Mr. Fowler’s development strategies, will ensure Make-A-Wish’s vibrant, successful future.”

About the Make-a-Wish Foundation

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since 1986, over 1,950 children in eastern North Carolina have received an unforgettable wish experience. In the fiscal year which concluded August 31, 2009, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina granted 162 wishes; nearly 400 children are diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition annually that live within the 49 counties they serve.

Survey Results are In! Here's the Lowdown...

As we come to the end of the current year, we reflect on goals reached and knowledge gained, and look for inspiration for the coming year.

Last month, we asked what you did for yourself in 2009 and what resources you discovered that you would share with colleagues. We hope you find the responses, summarized in this month's article, interesting to read and helpful in your own planning for 2010.

We are happy to announce a new search this month with PLM Families Together. Please take a moment to read the Executive Director's position profile and contact us if you or someone you know may be just right for this position. In addition, congratulations are due to 2 new staff at Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern NC: Ziva Raney has been appointed President/CEO, and Don Fowler is the Development Director. Best WISHES to both!

All the best during the holidays,

Sherry Heuser

President, Capability Company

Click here to meet the rest of our staff.
________________________________________________

Current Searches

View current searchs on our website.

Good business comes from good referrals. If you like the work we do, please remember to pass our name along to those in need of our services. Thank you.

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Article of the Month

Word count: 445
Approximate Reading Time: 6 Minutes

Survey Results are In! Here's the Lowdown....

by Sherry Heuser

Thanks to everyone who responded to our survey questions in last month’s ezine. Your answers were informative, funny, inspirational and honest--in short, wonderful!

The majority of respondents described professional accomplishments. 40% took continuing education courses, acquired a professional certification, or completed a degree. 13% focused on networking, seeking out new opportunities and contacts. A couple of folks met other professional goals—Chuck wrote a book about fundraising, and Rebecca started her own consulting firm.

40% of you told us about personal accomplishments—notably, Lovina moved back to a favorite city, Janice stuck with her yoga, Steven began teaching a spin class, and Laurie took an introductory German language course (sehr gut!). Others carefully assessed their personal and professional goals and current situations, and realigned their work with their priorities. Some challenged themselves to reach further, and some struggled with unmet goals.

The resources you found most helpful and would eagerly share with colleagues were varied. Many responses noted the impact social networking sites and the internet have on our work: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter were most often mentioned. BoardNet, Constant Contact, Google Analytics, and Guidestar Newsletters also made the list.

Books and programs that received high marks included:

Books

• “Better World Shopping Guide”, by Ellis Jones
• “The Mercifully Brief, Real World Guide to Raising $1,000 Gifts By Mail”, by Mal Warwick

Programs

• Association of Fundraising Professionals
• Association of Healthcare Philanthropy
• Center for Creative Leadership
• Interactive Collaborative Autism Network
• McSilver Institute at NYU Silver School of Social Work
• NC Planned Giving Council
• Pfizer Nonprofit Series (Pfizer funds seminars to support nonprofits in many cities; look for them in your area)
• Rotary International
• Storyline (Winston-Salem Foundation)
• The Foundation Center

I, like 13% of the respondents, identified supportive colleagues and new personal insights (such as remembering the importance of patience and self-trust) as the most helpful resources this past year. For me, taking on the challenges of managing a company required equal parts reflective introspection and gung-ho gumption—as well as a great network of support.

I hope Capability Company encouraged and supported you in working toward your goals in 2009, and is an informative resource to share with colleagues in 2010. If you have suggestions, questions, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best wishes for 2010!

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Event Calendar

Visit the current calendar of events on our website.

The Power of Thanks: Gratitude in the Workplace

I love Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the only holiday of the year with no expectations or requirements except to be thankful for friends, family, and all that you have. In this spirit, I would like to take a moment to thank my team, Jenny & Nicole, for all of their hard work this year. Capability Company couldn't provide the services that we do without their dedication.

I would also like to thank our new and repeat clients for placing their trust in us to do a good job. In turn, I am sure that our recent clients are thankful for their newest staff members for taking on the challenges of their new roles.

• Hilltop Home, a first-time client, has invited Laura Victoria to join its staff as the new Executive Director.
  
• The Oblate Missionary Society, Inc., a repeat client, has two additions - Phillip Perry is the new Director of Charitable Giving and Guy de Torcy is the new Director of Marketing.

Finally, I would like to thank you, our readers, for your support of the work that we do. I'd love to show my appreciation by sharing your knowledge about lessons learned this year with each other next month, so please take a moment to respond to this 2 minute survey.

We hope you, in turn, spread your gratitude to those around you. You can read more about this in this month's article by Julie LeMond, The Power of Thanks: Gratitude in the Workplace. And don't forget, November is National Philanthropy Month.

Thank you,
Sherry Heuser

Click here to meet the rest of our staff.
________________________________________________

Current Searches

View current searchs on our website.

Good business comes from good referrals. If you like the work we do, please remember to pass our name along to those in need of our services. Thank you.

Back to Top

________________________________________________

Article of the Month

Word count: 445
Approximate Reading Time: 6 Minutes

The Power of Thanks: Gratitude in the Workplace

by Julie LeMond

When was the last time you received a note of thanks? How did you feel? Chances are you passed that feeling along to others. When we feel appreciated, we are more positive about ourselves, our work environment and our ability to contribute.

"The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." - William James.

Adding this essential element can help us shift into a more productive, energized and focused mindset. Employees may be motivated by many different things, but all crave recognition and praise. The U.S. Department of Labor cited a lack of appreciation as the top reason why people in the United States choose to leave their jobs. According to Gallup, 65 percent of people in the U.S. claim they receive no praise or recognition in the workplace.

Is your office environment filled with gratitude and appreciation? Gratitude, like any other attitude, is contagious and begins with the person in the mirror. By making the commitment to express gratitude in the work place, you seek out and focus on the positive in your life, and encourage others to do the same. This can be especially challenging in uncertain times. I am reminded of a quote from Viktor Frankl, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor,

"When we are no longer able to change a situation--we are challenged to change ourselves."

Sometimes it is hard to find something to be grateful for in the workplace. Those are the days you must start small. Did a co-worker smile at you today? Reciprocate. Did you have an easy commute to work? Give thanks. It is said that a person who has no shoes can be glad he or she has feet. When we decide to elevate our attitude and take positive actions to cultivate an atmosphere of gratitude and hope, we inspire others to do the same, despite contrary circumstances.

Spread gratitude and a lighter perspective by providing spontaneous acts of appreciation in your office. Unexpected, good-natured humor is a great way to perk people up. Share a corny knock-knock joke you've heard, or leave a candy bar or coffee gift card on someone's desk. Remember the feeling from the thank you note? Gratitude is contagious; it's the gift that keeps on giving.

Take time to appreciate those around you and their efforts in a sincere and specific way. It's as easy as a text message, an email, a phone call, a sticky note on their computer, or a hand-written note. If the favor or contribution was more significant, speak to them in person or invite them out to lunch. Keep it simple and reach as many people as you can; start with one a day.

The Bottom Line: You never know when your words of appreciation will make a person's day. It requires very little effort and yet it makes you feel good knowing that you've brightened someone's outlook with something so simple.

Julie LeMond is a freelance writer specializing in nonprofit management issues.

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Event Calendar

Visit the current calendar of events on our website.

Hilltop Home Executive Director Retires after 40 Years on Staff, New ED Appointed

(October, 2009 - Raleigh, NC) Etherlene Pearce, Executive Director of Hilltop Home, has announced her plan to retire. She has devoted over 40 years of her life to the daily routine of loving and caring for the children of Hilltop Home, beginning in 1960 as a nurse and assuming the director role in 1976. Drawing her to Hilltop Home was the empathy she held for a niece with brain damage and the fact that no facilities existed to care for these children prior to the 1960s. She now looks forward to traveling and visiting family and friends.

Laura Victoria will assume the role as Executive Director in December. After earning her undergraduate degrees from the University of Miami, Ms. Victoria began her career in the non-profit sector, serving people with developmental disabilities. She later received a Master’s degree in Human Resources and a Certification in Nonprofit Management from Rollins College. She returned to the human services field, using her experience and education to create more sustainable and energetic non-profit organizations. Most recently, Laura served as the Assistant Director of Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando, a social services agency.

“We are grateful for the impressive legacy Etherlene Pearce has created, and are excited about the new energy Laura Victoria brings” stated Sherry Heuser, President of Capability Company, the executive recruiting firm that conducted the search. “We are looking forward to seeing Hilltop Home's plans to build their new facility come to fruition in the near future.”

About Hilltop Home

Hilltop Home, the Wake County Specialized Residential Home for Children, Inc., is a private, nonprofit residential center that serves children ages birth through six years with severe developmental and medical disabilities. Hilltop Home is a comprehensive program designed to assist young children with multiple disabilities and medical fragility to reach their fullest potential.

Oblate Missionary Society, Inc. Appoints New Director of Marketing

(Raleigh, NC - October 2009)The Oblate Missionary Society, Inc. has recently taken great strides in advancing its mission with the appointment Guy de Torcy as the new Director of Marketing.

Mr. de Torcy's experience includes marketing, communications, change management and development roles in international organizations. He excels at developing strategy and guiding teams to exceed quotas by developing integrated marketing campaigns. He has an extensive international and multicultural professional experience and speaks, in addition to English, native Spanish and French.

Mr. de Torcy’s role with OMSI will be to lead, oversee and coordinate all activities pertaining to the identification, cultivation and solicitation of direct marketing fundraising opportunities; this will include implementing new media strategies to spearhead generating, building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with current and prospective donors to achieve fundraising goals.

“Mr. de Torcy is most impressive,” stated Sherry Heuser, president of Capability Company, the executive search firm that conducted the search. “His appointment marks the beginning of a significant phase of growth for OMSI,” added Gail Battle, Chief Development Officer, OMSI, “as it looks to the next generation of donors, Catholic and otherwise, who believe in the extraordinary scope of the Oblates’ mission.”

Mr. de Torcy received his MBA from HEC School of Management and holds a MSc in Marketing and Finance from Paris University Dauphine. He currently resides in Dallas, TX with his family.

About The Oblate Missionary Society

The Oblate Missionary Society Inc. (OMSI) is a national fundraising organization supporting the works of the US Province of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (USP). The mission of OMSI is to provide funds and increase awareness in support of the ministry goals of the Province.

As ministry needs continue to grow, the USP has identified an increase on the reliance of active fundraising and outreach into communities as a high priority for the organization. OMSI has an annual budget of $50 million and receives support from individuals, planned giving and institutional giving. Today, over 4,000 Oblate priests and brothers work in 68 countries on every continent.