Insights

Leadership insights and community resources for those building capacity in themselves and others.

Leading Change Through People: Innovation, Mission, and the Right Structure (Workforce Cohort – October 2026)

Leading Change Through People: Innovation, Mission, and the Right Structure (Workforce Cohort – October 2026)

"We're going through the same things, just in different seasons of our organization's history." That's what leaders in our Agency Capacity Builder - Workforce Cohort keep discovering: sit at the same table each month, and your toughest workforce challenges turn out to be shared ones. And the ideas are not staying in the room. A stay interview first tried with one team was picked up by HR and opened to the whole agency. Ideas from these sessions are showing up in leadership meetings and...

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The Coach Approach Workshop with Options & Advocacy for McHenry County

The Coach Approach Workshop with Options & Advocacy for McHenry County

The leadership team at Options & Advocacy for McHenry County spent an afternoon coaching each other out loud, on real situations. The workshop was on turning a one-on-one into a coaching conversation. I had the opportunity to write and facilitate the training. This team came up doing case management, counseling, and advocacy. Stepping in with the answer is the instinct that made them good at the work, and it is the hardest one to set down in front of the people you lead. Grateful for a...

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Seeing the Office and the Shelter in the Same Morning (Schaumburg Nonprofit Leaders Forum – September 2026)

Seeing the Office and the Shelter in the Same Morning (Schaumburg Nonprofit Leaders Forum – September 2026)

There is a difference between hearing about an agency's work and standing inside it. Our fourth Schaumburg Township Nonprofit Leaders Forum was hosted at The Harbour (https://theharbour.org)'s administrative offices, and while we met, we could hear the team around us: people on calls, laughing, figuring things out together. Afterward, we drove over to the youth shelter. It is beautiful, and every corner of it is intentional, built with youth in mind for the time in their lives when they arrive...

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Understanding Community Mental Health Boards

Imagine a local entity dedicated solely to ensuring your neighbors have access to vital mental health, developmental disability, and substance use services. That's precisely the power of Community Mental Health Boards, often called '708 Boards' in Illinois. In Illinois, this legislation enabled the establishment of 708 Boards, requiring local referendums and a local tax to fund community...

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Finding Perspective Through Service

I have found that intentionally focusing on the needs and experiences of others is a powerful way to gain perspective and stay grounded. The opportunity to serve, to connect with people from different backgrounds, and to contribute to a shared purpose larger than my own is incredibly meaningful. My inspiration for this comes from the words and actions of Jesus, who willingly chose “not to be...

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Startup Spirit, Community Heart: What Connects Local Nonprofits and Small Businesses

Within the tapestry of our local communities, two distinct organizations stand out: community nonprofits and small businesses. While their missions may seem divergent at first glance—one driven by social impact, the other by profit—a closer look reveals surprising shared characteristics crucial for a flourishing community, with common ground found in: Shared Foundations and Goals: Nimble...

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Elevating Nonprofit Leadership: Takeaways from the Hanover Township Advisory Forum

Celebrating the culmination of the Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum for Hanover Township's 2024-2025 cohort, our final forum session highlighted the value of this program. By providing validation, acceptance, and a supportive environment for candid peer-to-peer conversations, this forum has empowered mid-level leaders to build a strong network with trusted relationships, expand their...

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Bloomingdale Township Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum: August 2025 Highlights

Designed to build capacity for nonprofit managers serving Bloomingdale Township residents, the Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum cultivates a space for honest exchanges, allowing peers to find practical assistance through shared burdens and celebrated triumphs.  Our recent session was hosted by @NAMI DuPage on the DuPage County campus in Wheaton, IL. We learned about NAMI's valuable work...

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Schaumburg Township Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum: August 2025 Highlights

Our recent Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum (www.goodworksresults.com/advisoryforum) was a special experience, warmly hosted by @GiGi's Playhouse Inc.- Down Syndrome Achievement Centers flagship in Hoffman Estates, IL. We were inspired by their bright, inviting space and their incredible dedication to offering all services for free, powered by effective use of volunteers and staff. We...

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Supporting Middle Managers in Hanover Township with Actionable Strategies (Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum)

Thrilled to share key insights from the latest Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum (goodworksresults.com/advisoryforum), held around a dining room table at Wildwood Commons in Elgin, IL. This capacity-building program provides a robust peer network for nonprofit leaders serving Hanover Township residents (hanover-township.org) . Yesterday's session focused on challenges faced by middle managers,...

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Building Consensus: My Work with a Community Mental Health Board

I recently completed a meaningful consulting project, partnering with the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board (DCCMHB) to facilitate collaborative decision-making on their organizational capacity. This project powerfully reinforced how a thoughtful, inclusive process strengthens organizational dynamics and enables vital decision-making within community organizations. My primary goal was...

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Advisory Forums: A Trusted Peer Network for Leaders

Management isolation, knowledge gaps, and stalled development hold back organizations from the confident and compassionate leaders they need. Advisory Forums are a proven capacity-building program that directly addresses these challenges by delivering a trusted peer network, facilitating shared learning, and enhancing professional skills. What Do These Forums Look Like? Advisory Forums provide a...

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What Community Leaders Need: My View from the Frontlines

From the entrepreneurial spirit of small business innovators to the unwavering dedication of public and social services sector professionals, I support a diverse spectrum of community leaders. My goal is to be a compassionate, capacity-building partner. What I consistently observe among these individuals is a profound commitment to their communities, often coupled with a shared set of challenges...

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Questions to Draw Out Solutions

It all started when I received coaching myself.  (Thanks again, Mike!) That experience didn't just help me; it ignited a passion for coaching within me. Before I knew it, I was fully immersed in training, accumulating coaching hours, and ultimately earning a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) certification. One question I often hear, especially while training others to...

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Top 10 Gains from 2025 Coaching Session

I coach business owners, executive leaders, and managers.  Here are some tangible gains my clients have experienced from our 2025 coaching sessions: Defined Business Niche: Defined a more precise target market, aligning projects for maximum impact. Conflict Resolution Skills: Applied structured, empathetic communication strategies, resulting in more constructive and effective conflict...

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Executive Coaching?

I'm often asked, “So, do you give advice?” or “Is it like therapy?” when I mention I'm an executive coach. Let me share my vision for coaching and how I can help you achieve your goals. Coaching is about having a thought partner. I'm here to listen deeply, ask the kind of questions that spark new insights, and help you uncover...

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Community Partner: Libraries Beyond Books

In our quest to strengthen communities, let's highlight the vital role that libraries play. The Bloomingdale Public Library  is a prime example of how modern libraries extend far beyond books, serving as dynamic community hubs that offer a wealth of resources and support.  Beyond traditional library services, the Bloomingdale Public Library provides:- A designated warming and cooling center...

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Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to acknowledge that well-being is the foundation for thriving businesses, impactful nonprofits, effective schools, and vibrant communities. Since 1949, this month has served as a reminder to educate ourselves, break down stigma, and ensure that resources reach those who need them. Think about it: stress, burnout, and mental health struggles affect our...

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Community Outreach Connections

I am dedicated to strengthening my community by connecting leaders across sectors for the benefit of my neighbors and community. Here is a sampling of recent discoveries: Rotary Club of Bloomingdale-Roselle Grateful for the guest invitation to the Rotary International Club of Bloomingdale-Roselle. I gained a bigger view of the impact this volunteer group has on our community.  I was also invited...

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Navigating The Current Landscape Together

During a recent forum that I facilitated, we focused on well-being and capacity, which led to productive exchanges of strategies for resilience and burnout prevention. Participant feedback indicated that connecting and sharing with each other during challenging times is beneficial.     I adapted seven questions into a one-page document designed for leaders like you to utilize...

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Celebrating One Year in Full-Time #SmallBusiness

There's a saying that at some point, you just have to go all in. One year ago, I did just that and made small business ownership (Good Works Results LLC) my primary vocational focus.  It has been a year of satisfying challenges and growth, and I wake up every day with gratitude to do this work!  I've learned so much along the way: The power of networking is undeniable. I'm grateful for business...

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30+ Community Nonprofits in 2025

The landscape for nonprofit leaders is challenging. As they grapple with the complexities of a new federal administration, funding uncertainties loom large, and the weight of responsibilities takes a toll on dedicated staff. Amidst these hurdles, the need for leadership support and guidance is paramount. That's where my work comes in. In 2025, I'm committed to supporting over 30 nonprofit...

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