Marc Smiley, Managing Partner
Solid Ground Consulting
Presentation & Continental Breakfast at 8:00
Networking at 9:30
Organizations are most effective when they understand their strengths and amplify them and understand their challenges and fix them. An assessment process can provide exactly that understanding. But common mistakes plague groups looking to make a difference. Often, groups focus on the symptoms they feel rather than the problems at the source of those symptoms. Even more problematic, groups can become too focused on challenges, and fail to look carefully at the strengths they can replicate and reinforce in their work. This session will take on these and other assessment issues in a lively discussion that will:
- Clarify the differences between problem and symptom, and the best ways to address both
- Reinforce the importance of engagement and buy-in for effective assessments
- Define the role of Board members and staff members in an assessment process
- Draw the intrinsic connection between assessment and planning, and the importance of connecting the two processes
- Provide examples of tools and approaches groups can use to help them implement an effective assessment process
About the Presenter
Marc was formerly the Executive Director for the Oregon Natural Resources Council and the Yakima Greenway Foundation, and he was the first Training Director for River Network. He has served in a variety of leadership roles with several organizations, including Online Networking for the Environment Northwest (ONE/Northwest) and REACH Community Development. Additionally, Marc teaches graduate and undergraduate courses as an adjunct professor for the Institute for Nonprofit Management at Portland State University.
About the Network
Executive Directors Network is designed to strengthen your management skills while providing field-tested concepts and tools to take back to your organization for implementation. In addition to skills development, each session allows for networking and peer coaching in a collaborative learning environment.
721 NW 9th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
| NAO Members | $22.50 |
| Nonmembers | $25.00 |