The Executive Director's Survival Guide provides new insight, inspiration, and tools to meet the real life challenges and rewards of leading a nonprofit organization--and to thrive in this big job. Written by Mim Carlson and Margaret Donohoe, experienced nonprofit professionals and consultants on nonprofit leadership, this vital resource will give you the help you need to develop and strengthen personal, interpersonal and organizational effectiveness. It is filled with practical advice for succeeding in the position and offers a reader-friendly question and answer format. Read a Charity Channel
Some very good points about taking over as a new ED. Particularly about staff relations, mission, vision and how to make those work. Some frank advice about best practices, and things not to do.
If the book has it's fault it's that it's too basic on some concepts - but that is the point. I think it covers all the bases that you need to hear about.
This was such a wonderful resource for a nonprofit executive director! It was concise, wise and comprehensive. I think it will improve my performance as an ED and therefore the community I serve. I hope to pick it up every couple of years!
Of all the books I read on managing nonprofits when I first started as an Executive Director, this was the most helpful. Joan Garry's book is also extremely helpful as is her blog.