MBS Operational Services

Change is a constant in nonprofit organizations. From shifts in funding streams to evolving community needs, nonprofits must be nimble to stay relevant and impactful. As a Fractional COO, I’ve had the privilege of working with a range of organizations—both faith-based and secular—to develop operational strategies that sustain growth and support mission-driven work. Drawing from my experience and the insights I've shared in my books and blog posts, this article highlights key approaches to navigating change and fostering growth in nonprofit operations. https://lnkd.in/gFmUwKZA

As an operations professional with extensive experience in nonprofit and corporate environments, I’ve seen firsthand how policies impact both organizational effectiveness and employee morale. Recently, Return to Office (RTO) mandates have surged under the guise of "culture building" or "cost savings." Let me be blunt: these justifications are largely untrue. Before diving into this discussion, let me acknowledge that some jobs—such as construction or direct care—require in-person attendance and always will. However, for many corporate and nonprofit roles, remote work not only works but often works better. So why are corporate executives doubling down on bringing employees back to the office? Spoiler alert: it’s not about culture or cost savings. https://lnkd.in/gWtxW_Xm

Leadership takes many forms, but one of the most transformative approaches is servant leadership. Rooted in humility, empathy, and a commitment to serving others, servant leadership offers a powerful model for nonprofit organizations striving to make an impact. In my journey from the pulpit to the boardroom, I’ve found that servant leadership transcends contexts, bringing a deeply human and relational approach to both faith communities and nonprofit governance. https://lnkd.in/gwqd_uK3

📣 Calling All Nonprofit and Faith-Based Leaders! 📣 At MBS Operations, we know the complexities boards and councils face when navigating crucial decisions. As an experienced nonprofit executive and clergy leader, I've created customized Data and Pricing Packets to help you communicate the value of our operational services to your leadership teams. These packets are designed to offer in-depth insights on how partnering with a Fractional COO can improve your operations, strengthen financial oversight, and advance your mission. They provide clear, strategic details that will empower your board to make informed decisions for your organization's future. 🎯 What you’ll get: Key insights into Financial and Operational Management Flexible Retainer and Implementation Package options Detailed information on HR, grant management, facilities, and more Let my expertise help your leadership team make smart, mission-driven decisions. Interested in receiving these valuable packets? Contact me directly or visit www.mbsoperations.com to find out more. 🔑 Together, we can position your nonprofit or faith-based organization for sustainable success! hashtag #nonprofitleadership hashtag #faithbasedorganizations hashtag #fractionalCOO hashtag #executivesupport hashtag #boardmanagement hashtag #strategicdecisionmaking hashtag #mbsoperations hashtag #nonprofitgrowth

Resilience is a word often associated with personal endurance and grit, but for leaders—particularly nonprofit Chief Operating Officers—it is much more. Resilience is about creating a culture of trust, adaptability, and commitment that enables an organization to weather challenges and emerge stronger. From my time as a sniper-qualified infantryman in the U.S. Army to my work as a nonprofit COO, I’ve learned that resilience starts with leadership and extends to the entire team. https://lnkd.in/gKDvsz7S

Nonprofit leaders often wear many hats—visionary, fundraiser, firefighter, and, occasionally, miracle worker. Yet, when the buzzword “sustainability” enters the conversation, it often feels like one more impossible task on a never-ending to-do list. How can you ensure your organization thrives when resources are tight, demands are high, and the future feels unpredictable? As someone who’s guided nonprofits through both smooth waters and stormy seas, I know sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience, intentionality, and the willingness to adapt. It’s about finding the balance between bold vision and practical action. Here’s how nonprofits can embrace sustainable practices without losing sight of their mission—or their sanity. https://lnkd.in/g6v8kq74

Economic downturns are challenging for everyone, but they can be especially tough on nonprofits. When financial pressures increase, demand for nonprofit services often rises—yet, donations may decrease as people tighten their budgets. For organizations that rely on generosity and community support, tough times call for resilience, adaptability, and creative solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a business, there are ways to help nonprofits continue their work, even when the economy presents challenges. https://lnkd.in/gNXahqJ3

Nonprofits are the backbone of community-focused change, dedicated to tackling some of society’s most pressing issues. But even the most mission-driven organizations face operational challenges that can hinder their potential. Limited resources, growing compliance requirements, and the need for sustainable growth can create unique pressures on nonprofit teams. Many organizations may not have the budget for a full-time Chief Operating Officer (COO), but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from high-level operational expertise. That’s where a fractional COO comes in. This part-time, flexible approach provides nonprofits with seasoned operational leadership, empowering them to achieve impact without overextending resources. https://lnkd.in/gqz9t6Eg

Nonprofit organizations, by their very nature, attract individuals who thrive in collaborative, mission-driven environments. The appeal of the “Clan” culture, as defined by the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI), is strong within the sector. It’s a culture based on cohesion, community, and shared values—a stark contrast to the more competitive or hierarchical structures prevalent in for-profit organizations. However, one recurring issue in nonprofit management is an imbalance between strategic and tactical planning. Too often, boards develop high-level strategic plans and then pass them to staff with the expectation that they’ll craft detailed tactical steps independently. This approach can lead to fragmentation, misalignment, and missed opportunities for true collaboration. Here, we’ll explore how nonprofits can better balance these planning processes by embracing a Clan culture that values teamwork at every level and ensures that the board supports staff in executing the strategy. https://lnkd.in/g5YKUK-N