Managing” social activists…. Does that sound like an oxymoron, or what!? Working in the not-for-profit sector for 20 years, I’ve noticed that the biggest messes many leaders face stem from a lack of skill in managing their people. Managing teams is especially tough when both the (often reluctant) managers AND the ‘managees’ are trained, if not fundamentally driven, to question authority and status quo power structures. Two upcoming workshops – one on the West Coast of B.C., and one in Washington, D.C. – can help.
First, the fabulous Deena Chochinov, a veteran organizational development consultant (among other skills) is leading a 2-part workshop on Talent Management on May 7th and May 14th in Vancouver, BC. As she explains, “This high-impact skill-building workshop will guide you through the key drivers and steps for creating a motivated, inspired and responsible workforce that will survive and thrive in these challenging times.” See http://www.hollyhock.ca for details.
On the other side of the continent, a workshop in D.C. addresses HR (human resources) and social activism in particular. The Management Assistance Group is offering a 3-part workshop on Managing Real People, Managing Change, especially for social justice organizations. It’s being offered out of the Center for Community Change in Washington, D.C., starting with a full-day session on May 11th. See http://events.constantcontact.com for details.
Suzanne Hawkes 