In Praise of Complexity: Rethinking Cultural Adaptability in the Global Workplace
As an intercultural trainer, consultant, and anthropologist, I have spent my career helping people navigate human differences, particularly in multicultural teams and global organizations. Over the years, I’ve become increasingly skeptical of books and speakers who promise quick and easy methods for adapting to any culture. The idea of a one-size-fits-all solution is seductive, but […]
Home Visits: Navigating the Ethics of Engagement
In a recent meeting with an organization planning donor trips, someone asked me a fascinating question: “Is it unethical to do home visits? Should we even offer them?” It’s a great question, and one that deserves thoughtful consideration. Home visits—where a group of travelers visits the home of a private individual or family—are a common […]
The Real Deal on Strategic Planning: Four Questions Every Nonprofit Must Ask
Strategic planning is one of the most overused (and misunderstood) terms in the nonprofit world. Over the years, I’ve noticed that when nonprofits ask for “strategic planning” services, they often aren’t clear on what they actually need—or even what the term really means. Rather than getting stuck in debates over definitions, I’ve found that starting […]
Beware the Research: Donor and Beneficiary Reactions to Nonprofit Communications
As a consultant and social researcher deeply immersed in the world of fundraising, one might expect me to champion research dictating which stories drive charitable giving from donors. However, my knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative methods, combined with my frontline fundraising experience, has instilled a healthy dose of skepticism in me. In this article, […]
The Ethics of Compensating Storytellers
As a nonprofit consultant, I am frequently asked whether or not nonprofits should compensate program participants for sharing their stories (to be used on the website, in fundraising appeals, in grant reports, etc). I have encountered people who feel very strongly either way, and those who are totally on the fence. Let’s take a step […]