Comments on Ken's Commentary: Debra Natenshon on Outcomes - Open Forum Participa...

You might consider adding to your criteria the len...

2009-12-02T17:34:09.492-05:00

You might consider adding to your criteria the length of time an organization has been led by the same individual. Executive Directors tend to go stale if in office for years and years, and the organization would likely become stagnant if there is no plan for an orderly succession in leadership.

James, I totally disagree with your point on CEO ...

2009-11-30T18:01:55.738-05:00

James,

I totally disagree with your point on CEO compensation - see this link - http://www.kenscommentary.org/2009/01/is-it-sacrifice-to-work-for-charity.html

As to your other points. Read the blog entry coming out tomorrow (12/1/09) on this blog site. Nuff said.

Ken, To your point about CEO Compensation... as l...

2009-11-30T17:56:15.270-05:00

Ken,

To your point about CEO Compensation... as long as the organization is producing results at a value, I could care less what the CEO is paid. After all, why shouldn't a person get rich if they're making the world a better place? (I understand that other people do care about this... but I think they're silly)

To giving you (and CN) a break... I have very little sympathy for an organization that makes its way by rating others. Rating an organization without discussing impact is like having a conversation profit without mentioning revenue... you could do it, but why would you?

I'm excited to see what the next step in CN's development is, but you've been rating people's hard work for years -- and influencing countless millions of dollars of donations.

Keep blogging and I'll keep reading,

James

James, Hey you have obviously not been paying att...

2009-11-27T13:16:51.710-05:00

James,

Hey you have obviously not been paying attention! We have been at the party for about a year or so!

As to your criticism of CEO compensation being a dumb measure. First, did you know it is not directly included into the rating we give a charity? Second, CEO compensation IS important in the case of those who are becoming millionaires while claiming to serve a charity. Give me a break James.

Of course the critical measure is the results of an organization. We have always said that, just more loudly now! We intend to make the changes to incorporate this most critical dimension into our rating system over the coming year. Stay tuned.

Kinda ironic to here you talk so highly on outcome...

2009-11-27T12:55:35.912-05:00

Kinda ironic to here you talk so highly on outcomes, Ken... but welcome to the party.

What I think we need (and haven't seen) are outcome measures that cut across organizations allowing us to get true measures of efficiency (ie cost per malaria case prevented vs percent of money spent on programming).

I'm not 100% sure how CN plans to begin incorporating these measures into their system (you probably aren't either, which is fine at this point, and some experimentation is warranted), but I hope it leads to the especially dumb measures you've been using in the past (CEO Compensation? How did that seem like a good idea?) being dropped.

Tom, Capable and visionary leadership is a critic...

2009-11-15T21:01:21.245-05:00

Tom,

Capable and visionary leadership is a critical component of a high performing nonprofit. However, it is not enough. There also needs to be a focus on (1) financial health, (2) accountability and (3) a performance management system that strives to deliver good outcomes (measured by outcome indicators which assess if there has been meaningful change in the people and communities served).

I like to meet with the people running the chariti...

2009-11-15T14:53:49.633-05:00

I like to meet with the people running the charities often leadership is a reflection of how well the charity will work. Just my viewpoint.

I like your blog!

Bill We have always advised donors to dig-deeper ...

2009-11-12T12:53:49.630-05:00

Bill

We have always advised donors to dig-deeper and that our analysis is one of a number of dimensions to consider. In the case of Feed The Children, I believe our soon to be launched Accountability dimension to the rating system will be instructive.

Thanks.

Your ranking as 5 star for Feed The Children is an...

2009-11-12T12:44:25.063-05:00

Your ranking as 5 star for Feed The Children is an example of the need by Charity Navigator to "dig-deeper" and not just use IRS/990's. Congratulations on your new approach I totally agree!