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Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because the World Is Counting on You
In a world where the old rules no longer apply, nonprofit leadership is more important than ever
Now in its second edition, Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership is a must-have resource for organizations of all shapes and sizes wanting to make a bigger difference in the world. Filled with real-life stories and concrete strategies, this practical guide helps develop the specialized skills and mindset needed to successfully lead and manage a stable and impactful world-class organization.
A lot has happened since Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership was first published in 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 election cycle, and seismic economic and cultural shifts have transformed the nonprofit world. This second edition provides a wealth of new content and fresh perspectives on changes in the nonprofit landscape. Brand-new chapters bring the core responsibilities of board service to life, offer practical advice on how small nonprofits can have an outsized impact, discuss effective crisis management approaches, and deliver even more stories and lessons drawn from the Joan Garry's work with thousands of nonprofit leaders. Throughout the book, the author shares new insights on topics such as managing crises, graceful exits, organizational transitions, and more. Honest, authentic, and sometimes hilarious, this book will help
Gain a rich understanding of what it takes to lead a nonprofit Raise awareness and make the greatest possible impact Create successful and sustainable fundraising programs Reinvigorate your organization's passion for its mission Work in true partnership with staff and board members Respond effectively to crises and avoid common pitfalls Written by the former Executive Director of GLAAD and founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, J oan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership is required reading for nonprofit board members, leaders, managers, and staff looking to make the greatest possible impact.
Now in its second edition, Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership is a must-have resource for organizations of all shapes and sizes wanting to make a bigger difference in the world. Filled with real-life stories and concrete strategies, this practical guide helps develop the specialized skills and mindset needed to successfully lead and manage a stable and impactful world-class organization.
A lot has happened since Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership was first published in 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 election cycle, and seismic economic and cultural shifts have transformed the nonprofit world. This second edition provides a wealth of new content and fresh perspectives on changes in the nonprofit landscape. Brand-new chapters bring the core responsibilities of board service to life, offer practical advice on how small nonprofits can have an outsized impact, discuss effective crisis management approaches, and deliver even more stories and lessons drawn from the Joan Garry's work with thousands of nonprofit leaders. Throughout the book, the author shares new insights on topics such as managing crises, graceful exits, organizational transitions, and more. Honest, authentic, and sometimes hilarious, this book will help
Gain a rich understanding of what it takes to lead a nonprofit Raise awareness and make the greatest possible impact Create successful and sustainable fundraising programs Reinvigorate your organization's passion for its mission Work in true partnership with staff and board members Respond effectively to crises and avoid common pitfalls Written by the former Executive Director of GLAAD and founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, J oan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership is required reading for nonprofit board members, leaders, managers, and staff looking to make the greatest possible impact.
- GenresLeadershipNonfiction
320 pages, ebook
Published December 16, 2020
91 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 22, 2020
Joan Garry, who I was introduced to through her podcast, uses her vast experience to guide boards and nonprofit execs. Her writing mirrors her speaking and combines invaluable wisdom and tips with her humor. It is an easy read cover to cover, but now that I’ve done that, I plan to read one chapter at a time - slowly so that I can savor and learn from this. As a nonprofit CEO with one organization for over 20 years, I wish I had had this book when I started. But even for an old exec, this contains so much helpful information. Every nonprofit exec and board member should read this book.
December 27, 2020
In early 2017, I was the Communications Director at a small nonprofit whose mission included raising awareness about human trafficking and supporting survivors. I was stuck in a holding pattern due to the level of control the founder wielded over the board and her personal decision to keep the organization small. The struggle was real, and then the board chair introduced me to Joan Garry's blog.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly recommended
After reading that first blog post, I had to figure out who this woman was, because she perfectly understood the situation we were in and her advice was spot-on.
Poking around on her site, I basically devoured everything I could on board leadership and "founder's syndrome." I subscribed to the blog and started following her on all the socials. This was also around the time she was recruiting folks to review and promote her new book Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy. Since I had a blog, and I'd been on other launch teams, I jumped at the opportunity.
Once it arrived, I devoured the book and wrote my review (here). At the time, I had no idea how participation in her book launch would change the trajectory of my life.
For the past four years (almost), I've had the joy of working side-by-side (remotely) with Joan Garry, and when she decided to revise/edit/update her book, I HAD to be on the book launch team again. I kinda begged. Why? I've witnessed the results first-hand, and I know what she teaches works.
Every day one of the members of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab sends us an email or creates a post in our online community for the sole purpose of letting us know how Joan's perspective and guidance helped them untangle a gnarly knot, raise more money, and/or build a better relationship with their board chair or navigate a crisis. Every. Day.
Newly Revised Manual for Nonprofit Leaders
In this second edition of her best-selling book, Joan steps out of the spotlight and showcases the experiences of a few executive coaching clients as well as executive directors, board chairs, and other senior leaders she's gotten to know through her online training platform, The Nonprofit Leadership Lab, including:
• The Executive Director and Board Chair of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek, California;
• The Founder/Executive Director and Board Chair of Third Coast Baroque in Chicago, Illinois;
• The Executive Director of the South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago, Illinois;
• The Founder/Executive Director of the Bay Area Children's Theatre in San Francisco, California;
• And many others!
With missions spanning the sector and budgets ranging from thousands to millions of dollars, these diverse leaders share their stories—stories which are both eye-opening and inspirational. But more than that, they underscore Joan's observations and demonstrate what happens when people the specific actions she recommends in her book.
This second edition feels like a completely new book. It's more objective and authoritative because it's based on daily work with hundreds of leaders who are taking what she teaches, applying it, and seeing dramatic results.
I can personally testify Joan Garry's refreshingly practical approach to fostering authentic leadership in the nonprofit sector has helped thousands of staff and board members move their organizations from "messy" to thriving.
Based on what she's observed in the Nonprofit Leadership Lab and her experience coaching executives from multi-million dollar organizations, Joan has not only revised and updated her book, she's also added two brand new chapters she felt were "missing" from the first edition. One chapter underscores the critical role of a nonprofit's board of directors, and one highlights the significant impact of small and mighty nonprofits.
After I read the chapter on boards, I concluded that anyone who is serving on a board, thinking about serving on a board, or works with boards should read this book.
The struggle is real. Nonprofits are MESSY. But with this book as your guide, not only will you avoid most messes, you'll be able to navigate the unavoidable ones with grace and grit.
I really liked the first edition. I love the second edition!
If you are interested in purchasing this book, here is the Amazon link:
https://amzn.to/2U4Opn9.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Highly recommended
After reading that first blog post, I had to figure out who this woman was, because she perfectly understood the situation we were in and her advice was spot-on.
Poking around on her site, I basically devoured everything I could on board leadership and "founder's syndrome." I subscribed to the blog and started following her on all the socials. This was also around the time she was recruiting folks to review and promote her new book Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy. Since I had a blog, and I'd been on other launch teams, I jumped at the opportunity.
Once it arrived, I devoured the book and wrote my review (here). At the time, I had no idea how participation in her book launch would change the trajectory of my life.
For the past four years (almost), I've had the joy of working side-by-side (remotely) with Joan Garry, and when she decided to revise/edit/update her book, I HAD to be on the book launch team again. I kinda begged. Why? I've witnessed the results first-hand, and I know what she teaches works.
Every day one of the members of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab sends us an email or creates a post in our online community for the sole purpose of letting us know how Joan's perspective and guidance helped them untangle a gnarly knot, raise more money, and/or build a better relationship with their board chair or navigate a crisis. Every. Day.
Newly Revised Manual for Nonprofit Leaders
In this second edition of her best-selling book, Joan steps out of the spotlight and showcases the experiences of a few executive coaching clients as well as executive directors, board chairs, and other senior leaders she's gotten to know through her online training platform, The Nonprofit Leadership Lab, including:
• The Executive Director and Board Chair of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek, California;
• The Founder/Executive Director and Board Chair of Third Coast Baroque in Chicago, Illinois;
• The Executive Director of the South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago, Illinois;
• The Founder/Executive Director of the Bay Area Children's Theatre in San Francisco, California;
• And many others!
With missions spanning the sector and budgets ranging from thousands to millions of dollars, these diverse leaders share their stories—stories which are both eye-opening and inspirational. But more than that, they underscore Joan's observations and demonstrate what happens when people the specific actions she recommends in her book.
This second edition feels like a completely new book. It's more objective and authoritative because it's based on daily work with hundreds of leaders who are taking what she teaches, applying it, and seeing dramatic results.
I can personally testify Joan Garry's refreshingly practical approach to fostering authentic leadership in the nonprofit sector has helped thousands of staff and board members move their organizations from "messy" to thriving.
Based on what she's observed in the Nonprofit Leadership Lab and her experience coaching executives from multi-million dollar organizations, Joan has not only revised and updated her book, she's also added two brand new chapters she felt were "missing" from the first edition. One chapter underscores the critical role of a nonprofit's board of directors, and one highlights the significant impact of small and mighty nonprofits.
After I read the chapter on boards, I concluded that anyone who is serving on a board, thinking about serving on a board, or works with boards should read this book.
The struggle is real. Nonprofits are MESSY. But with this book as your guide, not only will you avoid most messes, you'll be able to navigate the unavoidable ones with grace and grit.
I really liked the first edition. I love the second edition!
If you are interested in purchasing this book, here is the Amazon link:
https://amzn.to/2U4Opn9.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a pre-released digital galley of the book mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I am an Amazon Affiliate.
December 24, 2020
My goodness - leading a nonprofit was messy before this year, and then 2020 hit!
One bright spot is we get this book - with brand new chapters added.
I'm a big fan of Joan Garry and am a member of her Nonprofit Leadership Lab.
Joan has advice for the real nonprofit world - which will make you laugh but then think "She's right! Why didn't I see this that way before?!"
Every nonprofit board member or leadership staffer should read this book - especially if you're at a "small but mighty" nonprofit. The world is counting on us - but Joan's advice makes it easier.
One bright spot is we get this book - with brand new chapters added.
I'm a big fan of Joan Garry and am a member of her Nonprofit Leadership Lab.
Joan has advice for the real nonprofit world - which will make you laugh but then think "She's right! Why didn't I see this that way before?!"
Every nonprofit board member or leadership staffer should read this book - especially if you're at a "small but mighty" nonprofit. The world is counting on us - but Joan's advice makes it easier.
December 24, 2024
This was an excellent recommendation from my friend who works as the founder and executive director of a small nonprofit in Boulder. I listened to it as an audiobook read by the author, but I will need to get a hard copy to refer back to because there are so many gems. This is essential reading for any board, lay leaders and executive directors who want to forge a strategic path together for the growth and sustainability of their organizations.
December 23, 2023
I found myself suddenly leading a charity earlier in the year. This guide has been such a helpful pointer of principles for leading a non profit organisation. I would recommend it to anyone that's either a trustee or senior staff member of a charity.
January 3, 2021
First a confession; I received the first edition of this book a few years ago from a friend/coach and I didn't read it. I have worked in nonprofit for twenty years, I have been an executive director for eight years, and I have served on many boards - both large and small. I figured I knew it all and I didn't believe that this book would add any value to my years of experience.
I quickly realized in 2020 that I didn't know how to navigate a pandemic nor how to lead a team through one. In the spring I joined the Leadership Lab (suggested by the same friend/coach who had given me the book). The information and support that this group offered was beyond any expectations I had. I watched many live and recorded videos from Joan Garry and I was impressed by her depth of knowledge and I felt that she really understood what nonprofits needed.
When the book was released as a second edition, I immediately pre-ordered it and when I received it, I read it in one day. The stories were relevant to our small organization and the advice was something I could put into practice immediately. After reading Chapter 1 "The Superpowers of a Nonprofit Leader", I added topics to my upcoming staff and board meeting agendas based on questions Joan had in the book. Chapter 2, "You've Got to Get Me at Hello", gave me scripts to use to talk to board members about fundraising that will, hopefully, start a conversation instead of something that feels like an inquisition. Some of the things Joan talks about are things I knew, but she offered a perspective that expanded my thinking around storytelling, leadership, working with a board chair, and even crisis planning.
This book has really energized me about going into a new year and has given me the confidence I need to partner with my board chair to lead our organization into 2021 and beyond. Thanks Joan!
I quickly realized in 2020 that I didn't know how to navigate a pandemic nor how to lead a team through one. In the spring I joined the Leadership Lab (suggested by the same friend/coach who had given me the book). The information and support that this group offered was beyond any expectations I had. I watched many live and recorded videos from Joan Garry and I was impressed by her depth of knowledge and I felt that she really understood what nonprofits needed.
When the book was released as a second edition, I immediately pre-ordered it and when I received it, I read it in one day. The stories were relevant to our small organization and the advice was something I could put into practice immediately. After reading Chapter 1 "The Superpowers of a Nonprofit Leader", I added topics to my upcoming staff and board meeting agendas based on questions Joan had in the book. Chapter 2, "You've Got to Get Me at Hello", gave me scripts to use to talk to board members about fundraising that will, hopefully, start a conversation instead of something that feels like an inquisition. Some of the things Joan talks about are things I knew, but she offered a perspective that expanded my thinking around storytelling, leadership, working with a board chair, and even crisis planning.
This book has really energized me about going into a new year and has given me the confidence I need to partner with my board chair to lead our organization into 2021 and beyond. Thanks Joan!
August 25, 2024
Joan Garry is the best of the best for nonprofit leadership coaching. As a new nonprofit leader I have been soaking in all of her podcast content and I joined her Nonprofit Leadership Lab because the resources she offers are unlike any other site out there. This book is consistent with her other publications- actionable, clear, and- at every step- educational about how the model of leadership in the nonprofit sector works. I appreciated how she talks about leadership in nonprofits at different stages of their development. I know where we are but I have a better sense of how we got here- what the organization has been through from our founding until now. Obviously our history is unique to us, but the growth of a nonprofit comes with some distinct characteristics and I can align that with what I know of our journey. I plan to recommend this book to my board chair because it really speaks to both the chair and the ED throughout. This book made me very appreciative of my current board and helped me to understand how to support their engagement even more. I truly recommend this to any nonprofit leader especially those who are new to the role. If you have an Audible membership it is currently included at no cost, so that’s a great way to access it. I may still purchase a hard copy to have as a reference on my bookshelf. Enjoy!
Some topics covered: characteristics of different types of EDs, managing staff in the nonprofit sector (versus the corporate workplace), fundraising, crisis response planning, strategic planning, leadership transitions and succession planning.
Some topics covered: characteristics of different types of EDs, managing staff in the nonprofit sector (versus the corporate workplace), fundraising, crisis response planning, strategic planning, leadership transitions and succession planning.
December 25, 2020
If a librarian is reading this review, PLEASE purchase this book for your library!
I am the Chief Development Officer of a Public Library Foundation and writing this review just after a board meeting. I used strategies and tactics from Joan Garry’s book at tonight‘s meeting (well, honestly, with all of my board interactions!) with great success, and that’s why the book receives my five-star rating.
There are many consultants and experts, bloggers and podcasters, in the nonprofit sector. But none hit the mark like Joan. I read the first edition, and to my delight the second edition is almost an entirely different book. By using stories of those of us in the trenches, in small shop nonprofits, she brings to life our stories and challenges. But it’s so much more than that. Joan writes actionable, realistic, experience-tested methods that are practical for both staff and board members.
What makes this such an enjoyable read is that Joan infuses her humor for laugh out loud moments while reading. There are also times when I had to just nod my head with empathy and understanding. She truly loves the superheroes in the nonprofit sector, and it comes right through the pages to the reader.
At the end of my board meeting, I announced to my board members that I purchased a copy of the book for each one of them as an end-of-the-year gift! But truthfully, it’s a gift for me. As they read this book, it will bring my board and our organization to the next level.
I am the Chief Development Officer of a Public Library Foundation and writing this review just after a board meeting. I used strategies and tactics from Joan Garry’s book at tonight‘s meeting (well, honestly, with all of my board interactions!) with great success, and that’s why the book receives my five-star rating.
There are many consultants and experts, bloggers and podcasters, in the nonprofit sector. But none hit the mark like Joan. I read the first edition, and to my delight the second edition is almost an entirely different book. By using stories of those of us in the trenches, in small shop nonprofits, she brings to life our stories and challenges. But it’s so much more than that. Joan writes actionable, realistic, experience-tested methods that are practical for both staff and board members.
What makes this such an enjoyable read is that Joan infuses her humor for laugh out loud moments while reading. There are also times when I had to just nod my head with empathy and understanding. She truly loves the superheroes in the nonprofit sector, and it comes right through the pages to the reader.
At the end of my board meeting, I announced to my board members that I purchased a copy of the book for each one of them as an end-of-the-year gift! But truthfully, it’s a gift for me. As they read this book, it will bring my board and our organization to the next level.
December 29, 2020
Joan Garry has done it again! I was skeptical about a second edition book - what could possibly be so different. Well it is - the world has changed and rather than applying old principles exactly the same way, Joan has revised, revamped, and reignited leadership for the sector. Joan lends her wit, authenticity, and excitement to nonprofit work to every word. If you have the 1st one, the 2nd edition is absolutely worth the investment!
The book is an easy read, but I caution all readers to slow down. Take the notes, mark the pages, because you will be coming back to those pages over and over and OVER again!
As a lifelong fundraiser (and NPO advocate), I would put this book in the hands of every NPO fundraiser, executive director, and board member if I could. Should be required reading in all fundraising classes too! Joan just "gets it" in a way that not many do. But what is fantastic is the way she shares the methods and tools needed to help your organization grow, to build sustainable systems, to structure the partnerships (the twin-engine plane), and become a stronger leader. I can't say enough positive - get the book, read the book!
The book is an easy read, but I caution all readers to slow down. Take the notes, mark the pages, because you will be coming back to those pages over and over and OVER again!
As a lifelong fundraiser (and NPO advocate), I would put this book in the hands of every NPO fundraiser, executive director, and board member if I could. Should be required reading in all fundraising classes too! Joan just "gets it" in a way that not many do. But what is fantastic is the way she shares the methods and tools needed to help your organization grow, to build sustainable systems, to structure the partnerships (the twin-engine plane), and become a stronger leader. I can't say enough positive - get the book, read the book!
November 4, 2023
Longtime leader Joan Garry gives practical, encouraging advice in this handbook. The chapters and layout is easy to follow, and her tone is that of a buddy who has "been there" and seen it all - pretty accurate, since she is a nonprofit consultant. The book is full of anecdotes and firmly grounded in working with reality rather than the ideal. The tone all throughout is uplifting, urging people on to do work that matters.
October 26, 2021
Solid advice for leaders
This book is thoughtful and practical and provides steps you can take to do the work you do as a nonprofit leader better. I've been listening to Joan's podcast and reading her blog for years. While there's lots of good advice and information there, too, the book is worth reading for a deeper dive.
This book is thoughtful and practical and provides steps you can take to do the work you do as a nonprofit leader better. I've been listening to Joan's podcast and reading her blog for years. While there's lots of good advice and information there, too, the book is worth reading for a deeper dive.
October 10, 2021
Brilliant guide for non-profit leaders
Joan understands exactly what it’s like to steward a nonprofit organization. Her lessons and wisdom transcend borders. I would highly recommend that all leaders of nonprofits read and refer to this book time and time again.
Joan understands exactly what it’s like to steward a nonprofit organization. Her lessons and wisdom transcend borders. I would highly recommend that all leaders of nonprofits read and refer to this book time and time again.
April 10, 2023
Fantastic book for nonprofit professionals. Advice is clear and it helps nonprofit professionals understand the nuances of working at a nonprofit and how to help get your board of directors to work collaboratively and for the mission.
December 27, 2020
Led me to alternative ideas for meaningful goals in my role as a nonprofit board chair and changed what I understood could be possible for the agency itself.
March 18, 2024
As a new board member at a local nonprofit, I learned so much about how I can be most effective and helpful in my new role. I especially enjoyed hearing the audiobook read in Joan's voice.
March 19, 2021
This book is a MUST READ for any nonprofit leader or board member, and it should be a pre-requisite to anyone who is considering starting a nonprofit! Joan Garry’s second edition book is filled with practical and tactical advice, along with some good ol’fashioned encouragement from someone who has been there and done that and wants nothing more than for you to knock it out of the park as you deliver your mission. I’ve given this book to board leaders, fellow staff members and beloved nonprofit volunteers. I can’t recommend this book highly enough if you can about optimizing your nonprofit leadership. As a brand new Executive Director, this books is almost always an arms length away from me at my desk! Thank you Joan Garry for reminding us that the world is counting on us- you’re helping us to deliver!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews