A manager's experience reveals that team success hinges on navigating different "life stages." Initially, an experienced, high-performing team was a "well-oiled machine" that quickly left for promotions. This led to a team of all "newbies" who, despite needing intense training, brought vital fresh energy and innovative process improvements. The author now favors the "Half and Half" approach—a mix of tenured and new staff—which balances institutional knowledge with fresh perspectives. However, it requires intentional effort to ensure equitable development. Discover why managing these different compositions—from high-speed efficiency to urgent training needs—is the key to sustained success in a constantly changing environment.
Unlock the secrets to building a truly data-driven culture by learning from the strategic, multi-year journey of the Iowa State University Foundation. This article outlines a successful, multi-layered approach that moved the organization beyond subjective impressions toward quantifiable, data-informed decision-making. Discover the four key phases: from establishing an executive-level vision and declaring a "Year of Data," to creating a reporting blueprint that aligns organizational structure with analytical needs, inspiring adoption through key leaders, and operationalizing broad needs with standardized dashboards and unified terminology to foster data literacy at every level.
In her inaugural President's message, Sharise Harrison outlines how Apra will Bridge Tradition and Innovation in prospect development. Learn about the four guiding priorities—Building Bridges, Championing Inclusiveness, Leading with Ethics, and Embracing Innovation—that will steer Apra's new strategic plan. See how a focus on collaboration, ethical practice in a data-rich world, and leveraging technologies like AI and analytics will position Apra members to lead the field and maximize their collective impact in philanthropy.