When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations

• Table of Contents:Chapter One: About CrisesQuestions to ConsiderExternal CrisesInternal CrisesWhat Makes a Crisis Life-ThreateningPrevention and CureThe Keys to Crisis ManagementChapter Two: Preventing Crises with PoliciesThe Benefits of PoliciesDetermining Which Policies Are NeededThe Essential Documents for a Policy ManualPolicies Are Often OverlookedExamples of Preventing Crises with PoliciesChapter Three: Preventing Crises with PeopleThe People Who Make Up the Board of DirectorsThe Role of the BoardKeys to Creating a Highly Functioning BoardAreas of Board VulnerabilityExamples of Preventing Crises through Board ExcellenceStaff of Nonprofit OrganizationsGuidelines for Creating a Strong StaffExecutive Transition ManagementGuidelines for Effective Management of StaffExamples of Preventing Crises through Staff ExcellenceChapter Four: Precursors to CrisesMeasuring SeverityAssessing Tools Already in PlaceAcknowledging and Managing ConflictTiming and TimeTwo Key Responses to ConflictConflict Management 101BulliesExamples of Precursors to CrisesChapter Five: It’s a CrisisElements of a CrisisAn Identified Crisis is the RealityEmergency Plan in Time of CrisisExamples of Crisis ManagementChapter Six: The Crisis Has PassedEvaluationCommunicationPersonnel AssessmentCritical Conditions for OrganizationsExamples of Nonprofits in the Aftermath of CrisesChapter Seven: Making the Organization SafeThe Importance of Policies and PeopleIdentifying and Addressing Precursors to CrisesManaging the EmergencyUtilizing the Period After the CrisisCreating a Crisis Contingency PlanDeveloping and Utilizing a Crisis Audit TeamReaping the Rewards of Crisis Management WorkPrescriptionsIn Case of EmergencyCrisis Emergency PlanSix Month PlanEmergency Contingency PlanningEmergency Data Bank

"Starr Mayer provides practical, actionable wisdom for nonprofit boards and leaders. Good stewardship requires that leadership teams understand these principles and put processes in place to protect their missions."  --Jonathan T. M. Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. "An essential tool for board members and managers, particularly in a fast growth organization. "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations" shows the importance of calm, rational planning to protect your mission and reputation." --Wendy Kopp, Founder and CEO, Teach for America. "We live and work in such uncertain times. "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations" is a must read for every nonprofit leader. Starr Mayer’s focus on people and policies is the right one, and she has provided us with an invaluable guide to avoiding the next bad thing." --Deb Jospin, partner, sagawa/jospin; co-author of "The Charismatic Organization"; and Chair of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University.