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Decision-Making like Ben Franklin

The simple t-chart, used by Benjamin Franklin himself, can simplify the complex decision-making within any organization. Useful in your personal and professional life, this method can clarify your considerations as a leader and can also help facilitate team/board conversations such as strategic planning. Avoid “mission creep” in your organization by making better decisions- especially in times of crisis where frequent pivoting may be necessary.

Join us for this episode of the NP Local podcast hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann.

Episode Highlights:

  • Jason shares a story about his mentor. (1:15)
  • Jason mentions the T-Chart by Benjamin Franklin. (2:09)
  • Scott mentions one of the factors about the nonprofit world. (2:57)
  • When Scott goes to a board and they have decided that they’re going to take a different direction, how does he react? (4:48)
  • Jason mentions one of the reasons why the T-Chart is beneficial. (6:43)
  • Scott shares one of the things that’s practical for a nonprofit leader. (10:14)
  • Scott mentions the SWOT analysis. (13:05)
  • Jason shares how he utilizes the T-Chart in the agency. (14:53)
  • Scott shares what he’s currently doing as a consultant for a client. (17:21)



Key Quotes:

  • “Anything out there in the world can affect the economy or how people give, or how secure people feel in giving. There are several things that we’re dependent on in the nonprofit world. Therefore, the decisions tend to be pretty complex.” – Scott Niermann
  • “If you can’t change your people, change your people. Now, that’s one of the hard things to do, but remove the emotion out of it. When you start writing those pros and those cons left and right and you start to look at it, it becomes clear real quick. Then you start getting other people’s advice.” – Jason Cass
  • “Sometimes those positives are going to outweigh the negatives and you gotta have that perspective going into the goal-setting planning process first.” – Scott Niermann

Resources Mentioned: