Guest: Diane Blankenburg, CEO and Co-Founder of Humane Network. She was also Community Programs & Development Director for Nevada Humane Society, Katrina Rescue and Recovery Director for Alley Cat Allies, and Network Director for Best Friends Animal Society. Main question: “Our organization struggles to get everyone on the same page. We do not function as a team. Many people are doing their own thing in their own way. Can you help us?”

Takeaways:

* Communicate clear expectations – make sure you have a clear mission with clear goals that are communicated well, often and through multiple channels to staff. Each department and each individual needs to understand their responsibilities and have clear expectations for performance that are linked to the high-level organizational goals.   * Monitor progress – measure results at the individual, department and organization level, give feedback, and make adjustments as you go. Don’t wait for an annual performance review to give feedback.   * Reward good performance. Be on the lookout for people doing things right. Also keep in mind that not addressing and following up on inappropriate behavior can seem like a reward.

Links:

* Checklist: Shelter walk-through

* Checklist: How to make your shelter a welcoming place

* Mark's recommendation: FollowUpThen email productivity tool

* Comment on the podcast's Facebook page

Recorded pre-COVID.