As the year winds down, most leaders are focused on closing out financials and planning for next year. But there's one critical piece that too often gets rushed or skipped entirely: annual performance evaluations.

Unfortunately, mind-reading isn’t a real skill people have. Most leaders assume their business values are obvious, especially if their team is operating at an acceptable level. But even the best teams aren’t actually mind readers — they just have exceptional clarity. 

When my husband and I acquired Griswold Home Care in New Castle County two years ago, I needed reliable support across various business functions. My solution was simple but powerful: I got the band back together. They’re my trusted allies who share our values and approach to business. 

You've poured your heart into your nonprofit's mission. You've nailed the fundraising, developed strong programs, and built a stellar team. But if you don’t have an excellent ED-Board partnership, you can only get so far. So, let’s take a look on how to ensure your partnership is out of this world.

The days when social media success was measured purely in likes and shares are long gone – that’s so 2012. To stay with the times, nonprofits need to foster genuine connections that inspire real community involvement. But how can you create meaningful digital engagement that actually moves the needle?

Radical Candor, a management philosophy coined by Kim Scott, is about giving feedback that is both direct and empathetic. When implemented effectively, this approach can foster a high-performance culture by encouraging open communication, personal growth, and stronger relationships between managers and staff. It strengthens the ability to achieve your company's goals, setting it up for long-term success. 

If your plan is going to be successful, you absolutely have to ask and answer questions in three key areas – assumptions about your organization and the world in which it operates, barriers that will prevent you from being successful, and the unintended consequences that might occur if you’re successful. The next time someone says, "Well, obviously..." or "Everybody knows..." in your planning meeting, raise your hand and play devil's advocate.