Get Big Things Done: The Power of Connectional Intelligence (©2015, Palgrave Macmillan), by Erica Dhawan and Saj-Nicole Joni, argues that the game changer in achieving breakthrough performance is a skill called connectional intelligence—the ability to combine knowledge, ambition and human capital, forging connections on a global scale that create unprecedented value and meaning. As radical a concept as Emotional Intelligence was in the 1990s, Connectional Intelligence is changing everything from business and sports to academics, health and politics by quickly, efficiently and creatively helping people enlist supporters, drive innovation, develop strategies and implement solutions to big problems. Among the questions that book addresses are: How do you cut through the noise of e-mail and social media to connect intelligently? How do you marshal what you know that much more quickly? How do you find and keep supporters? How do you influence the greatest number of people? How do you propel connectional intelligence beyond traditional networking and the massive entertainment element of your digital lives toward a loftier purpose? In short, how do you get behind this newfound connectivity and use it to get to the places where you want to go?
According to a survey by Social entrepreneurs embrace mission-driven ventures that emphasize transparency and accountability. They lead by example. They fill a humanitarian vacuum left by government and charity, and they do so sustainably as only the private sector can. For example, social entrepreneurs may organize and operate a low-profit limited liability company that, by law, places mission above profits and facilitates foundation funding of charitable and educational businesses. The Mission-Driven Venture (©2015, John Wiley & Sons), by Marc J. Lane offers anyone committed to social innovation a hands-on, actionable guide for leveraging the power of the marketplace to solve the world's most difficult social problems. Throughout the book, the author offers information and tools needed for becoming an agent of change and shows how to move from idea to reality with a step-by-step guide to designing and implementing a successful mission-driven venture.
What are the most important attributes for a charity or nonprofit organization to have? Motivation? Commitment? Leadership? Resources? Ten Traits That Make Nonprofits Great (©2014, Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans), by Brain E. Foss, is the third installment in the organization’s self-published philanthropy series.The book addresses the essential role of leadership by volunteers, board, and staff and offers insights into failing organizations (they have tired leadership; they are unable to keep with change; they are mired in the past; they have lost their core) and, more importantly, successful philanthropic organizations, which:
- Have an important mission with a great leader;
- Focus on a few things;
- Are able to explain what they do and show results;
- Develop diverse funding sources;
- Continuously renew the organization;
- Have board members who want to participate and give generously;
- Know who needs to know them;
- Know where they are going;
- Know how to ask and say thanks;
- Are committed to excellence.