The danger of basing an organization around one person with charismatic leadership qualities is that the focus can quickly become the leader rather than the organization. A leader can always leave an organization. This is why Sagawa and Jospin argue that building a fundamentally strong, team based nonprofit will be a more effective method in the long run than relying on individual leadership.

“There are two kinds of social capital,” explained Sagawa. “One kind brings people together and unites them in a cause so that they want to be part of that community.” This is especially valuable because it means that, in hard economic times, an organization’s donors and supporters will still be there and feel a connection to that cause. The other type of social capital is “bridging social capital.” This means that an organization is able to reach beyond its immediate network, which allows it to expand their donor base or political influence. …read more and see the video at Building a Charismatic Nonprofit – Center for American Progress, published 21 April 2009.

Flickr photo credit: an untrained eye

Think your business is too small for an employee handbook? Worried that your written policies will open you up to lawsuits? Whatever the excuse, the truth is an employee handbook is an essential resource in your business–as an introduction for new employees and as a reference guide for your existing staff. Scratching your head on where to start? Follow this simple checklist to create an effective employee handbook for your small business…more at By the Book – NFIB.com.

Flickr photo credit: Wan Zafran