Strategy & Tactics
10/19/16
Strategy in an era of unpredictability
The strategic planning process that is used by many today was created decades ago during a more predictable time. By nature, the process is based on an underlying assumption, namely that changes and trends in the external environment can be predicted with some certainty. So, what about changes that can’t be predicted? Or are unprecedented […]
By Karla RainesRead More
6/10/16
Shhhhhhhh!! Did you know there are three secrets to strategic success?
I’m often asked, “How can we ensure our strategic plan doesn’t sit on a shelf?” The question typically arises as executives and boards consider how best to approach the planning process – and which consultant can facilitate a successful outcome. By its very nature, a strategic planning process raises expectations and anxiety. And no plan […]
By Karla RainesRead More
3/22/16
Making improvements through A/B testing
Did you know that when you visit Amazon.com the homepage you see may be different than the one someone else sees, even beyond the normal personalized recommendations? It’s been widely reported how Amazon is continually tweaking their homepage by running experiments, or A/B tests (sometimes referred to as split tests), to tease out what makes a […]
By David KennedyRead More
3/9/16
Where are we now? The new next era nonprofit
I spent the other afternoon sitting around a large table chatting with professionals from across the sector about leadership, and the competencies that an effective leader will need in 2025. As we were chatting about today’s realities – and the social, political, technical and economic factors affecting nonprofits – it struck me that we’ve been here […]
By Karla RainesRead More
12/10/15
Reluctance: the antithesis of leadership
All too often strategic success is stymied by reluctant leadership. Reluctance can be seen in behaviors small and large. In essence it’s a failure to act. That action may be as simple as stepping up to fill a gap. Those small misses create a culture of excuses, shrugged shoulders, and not heeding the call for […]
By Karla RainesRead More
12/2/15
Predicting The Future
In one form or another, much of market research is aimed at predicting the future. Whether you are considering opening a new line of business, tweaking your advertisements, or just trying to serve your constituents better, the key purpose is almost always some form of “If we do X, then what will happen?” However, when […]
By Matt HerndonRead More
10/2/15
The Challenging In-Between: Bridging the gap among visionaries and operational experts
Over the years I’ve discovered that nonprofit executives and board members typically fall into two main categories: those who are boldly aspirational and those who are decidedly tactical. The first focuses on the big idea and its power to move people. They are lofty, passionate and effervescent. To the operationally-focused person they appear to dodge […]
By Karla RainesRead More
9/29/15
Navigating Time and Space: Why we Include Geography
When I was a kid living in Colorado Springs, my family frequently drove to Denver. We would go to watch baseball games or visit museums. It is about 60 miles between Colorado Springs and Denver. Back then, the speed limit was 60 to 65 miles per hour, and I had fun mentally calculating that since […]
By Matt BruceRead More
9/11/15
Incorporating Exercises into Focus Groups
At Corona Insights, we are always researching best practices for the work we do. In the world of qualitative research, this often means best practices for conducting focus groups. Over the years, we have learned many tips and tricks for conducting focus groups, which includes incorporating exercises into our discussions. There are a wide range […]
By Mollie BoettcherRead More
4/10/15
Of anchors, sails and strategic plans
I’ve been struck recently by my clients’ desires to simultaneously sail and drop anchor. By sailing I’m referring to the opportunity to advance, grow and change, strategically of course. To move towards the horizon. Counterbalancing that vision is an anchoring in the past – where we’ve been – as well as the here and now […]
By Karla RainesRead More