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Developing a New Approach

8/7/2014

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In an inspiring series of discussions with both the director and lead educational consultant for my son’s pre-school, I started to hone in on a new approach to my work with nonprofits.  It focuses on the balance among continual learning, iterative feedback loops, reflective time, innovation and a rigorous use of evidence.

With my renewed energy, I am collaborating with a brilliant group of associates and colleagues across the globe based on my personal networks and through my involvement in the Leap Ambassadors, a brain trust of leaders working to define and implement high performance for social programs.

Meaning of my new Logo

Several people have inquired about my new logo design, so here is insight on the meaning…

My bridge logo harkens back to many years ago, when I was invited to speak at Harvard for a group of performing art centers executives.  I remember feeling quite intimidated after a full morning of listening to leading business school professors explain the intricacies of complex performance management theories.  I sat there, knowing that I would need to present my rather simple tools afterward, feeling out of my league!  How could I possibly share anything of value after the sheer brain-power we had all just experienced?  I was horrified.  The room felt numb, drained of all interaction.  I thought we were all shocked by the brilliance.

Then, everything shifted.  The professors left, presumably back to their classrooms, and I started to hear disquieted mumbles from the sharp executives in the room.  Their lead consultant summarized:  “We’re pretty sure that we just experienced some truly important information and teachings.  Unfortunately, we have no idea how to move them into practice!”  At that point, the facilitator invited me to the front of the room.  Yikes!

After I started to speak, I was pleased to see and feel the energy rise in the room.  As I unveiled my approach, color returned to participant’s faces and body language showed clear engagement.  I realized then, over 10 years ago and I am actualizing now, my calling:  to serve as a bridge from research – often academic – to practice, translating “scientific evidence” to the potential for implementing innovation to achieve life changes for the target populations we care most about.

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    Debra B. Natenshon

    National Organizational Management expert, interested in sharing, learning and collaborating for better social outcomes.

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    I've known and worked with Debra for over 15 years and this blog series is worth reading and bookmarking. #NPStrong

    Mary K. Winkler, Independent Consultant and Fellow Leap Ambassador

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