Leading Edge

In a time of polarization, workplace divisions about diversity, the Israel-Hamas War, and a divisive presidential election, many organizations "stay neutral" on controversial topics. In a new The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Leading Edge's Seth Chalmer (Senior Director, Communications) argues that the problem arises when leaders and communications professionals embrace neutrality with unrealistic expectations, using it to hide from unavoidable problems or underrating its value. Here are five principles of to help make the hard decisions about whether and when to take sides.

Can Your Group Stay Neutral on Controversial Topics? 5 Things to Know A communications prof offers tips for nonprofits considering whether to publicly take a stand on divisive issues

It’s that time of year again 🧡 We at Leading Edge believe that an organization-wide shutdown is the perfect way to encourage our employees to truly disconnect and recharge. When everyone takes a break together, no one feels left behind or overwhelmed by a backlog of work upon return. That's why we're excited to announce our annual week-long break in celebration of . Before we sign off on Friday, be sure to check out our video on the benefits of an organization-wide shutdown.

We look forward to reconnecting with you on July 8.

Let's Shut This Whole Thing Down An organization-wide shutdown gives employees permission to truly unplug and recharge. When everyone is out of the office, no one returns to a full inbox or ...

⏰ Time is running out! Applications for Leading Executives close on June 25. If you or someone you know is an executive within their first five years of leadership, seize this chance to participate in a transformative program featuring a 360 evaluation, personalized coaching, and invaluable peer connections. Apply now

Leading Executives | A program of Leading Edge Leading Executives is an executive training program by Leading Edge for senior-most organizational leaders. Participants will learn dynamic leadership practices, receive constructive personalized feedback to speed and deepen their growth, and connect with a cohort of peer leaders for mutual support....

Is the Jewish community facing a talent crisis or an opportunity for growth? The Wexner Foundation recently hosted an illuminating conversation on this topic, featuring Leading Edge COO Mordy Walfish, board member Mimi Kravetz, and fellow Wexner thought leaders. Check out the full conversation for insights on the challenges of the talent pipeline in Jewish professional work, and discover potential strategies for Jewish institutions moving forward:

www.wexnerfoundation.org

The journey to confront our fears and embrace collective strength has begun. Read “The Jewish Case for Inclusion, Equity, and Justice — By Whatever Name,” by Gali Cooks (our President & CEO). The article is part of the “Moving Through the Wilderness: Recommitting to Equity After 10/7” series presented in partnership with the JewishDaily Forward: https://forward.com/tag/moving-through-the-wilderness/

Happy ! Check out this great collection of Juneteenth events, educational resources, and thought-provoking readings from our friends at the Jews of Color Initiative:

Juneteenth Resource List 2024 - Jews of Color Initiative Find Juneteenth events and resources centering Black Jews and Jews of Color

"[ ... ] The particular focus of Leading Executive was deeply impactful. The 360 evaluation and accompanying coaching sessions allowed me to explore the places where my leadership could grow and focused on how I could best support my team, my agency, and my community." — A past participant

Embark on your own path to impactful leadership. ⏳ Only ONE week left for rising executives to apply for Leading Executives! Submit your application by June 25, 2024, and gain the tools to support your team, agency, and community.

Apply today:

Leading Executives | A program of Leading Edge Leading Executives is an executive training program by Leading Edge for senior-most organizational leaders. Participants will learn dynamic leadership practices, receive constructive personalized feedback to speed and deepen their growth, and connect with a cohort of peer leaders for mutual support....

In our new Alumni Spotlight series, we’re excited to elevate the voices and experiences of our leadership programs alumni. We hope to share and celebrate their diverse paths and leadership experiences as agents of change, and inspire our community and the Jewish nonprofit field at large.

Meet Mackenzie Marcus, board chair at Ekar Farm. Mackenzie is an alum of Leading Partners, which is designed to strengthen the working relationships between CEOs and board chairs. Through her commitment and passion, Mackenzie has developed essential skills, enabling her to lead with confidence and clarity. From implementing a robust succession plan to fostering a culture of honest communication and collaboration within her organization, Mackenzie's leadership style has transformed, driving Ekar Farm's mission forward.

Read her story: https://www.leadingedge.org/post/alumni-spotlight-mackenzie-marcus

Leading Edge Alumni Spotlight, Mackenzie Marcus Meet Mackenzie Marcus, board chair at Ekar Farm. Mackenzie is an alum of Leading Partners, which is designed to strengthen the working relationships between CEOs and board chairs.

Unlock your with Leading Executives! Applications are now open for cohorts five and six. Gain valuable insights through a 360 evaluation, receive one-on-one executive coaching, and build lasting connections with a supportive peer group. Apply by June 25, 2024, and help us spread the word to the talented leaders in your network.

Leading Executives | A program of Leading Edge Leading Executives is an executive training program by Leading Edge for senior-most organizational leaders. Participants will learn dynamic leadership practices, receive constructive personalized feedback to speed and deepen their growth, and connect with a cohort of peer leaders for mutual support....

What can the 19th century whaling industry teach the Jewish community about in our organizations and institutions? Quite a lot, argues Ilana Kaufman, CEO of Jews of Color Initiative and a Leading Edge board member, in a new EJewish Philanthropy article. Kaufman spotlights research showing that whale ships with racially diverse crews, while experiencing some early friction, ultimately achieved greater than homogeneous ones.

Her key takeaway for Jewish leaders: weathering the inevitable conflicts that arise in diverse groups is challenging but crucial for reaping the benefits of diversity. Our community must take the long view and stay committed to building genuinely inclusive Jewish spaces.

Read more:

Leaders: Stay the course on DEI through this storm Research from the 19th century whaling industry demonstrates the value of long-term, significant diversity

Have a joyous and meaningful !

Losing hope amid fear? Jewish values teach us to find strength from our roots. We’re proud to announce that Leading Edge President & CEO Gali Cooks will be one of the voices highlighted in a new series from The Forward. “Moving Through the Wilderness: Recommitting to Equity After 10/7.” Read Gali’s installment and the work of other incredible voices starting June 20.

📣 Applications for Leading Executives are open until June 25! If you're an executive within your first five years of leadership, don't miss this transformative journey that includes an evaluation, executive coaching, and the chance to build lasting connections with a supportive peer group. If you know someone who would be an excellent candidate, please share this opportunity with them and your extended network to support the growth of leaders in your community.

Leading Executives | A program of Leading Edge Leading Executives is an executive training program by Leading Edge for senior-most organizational leaders. Participants will learn dynamic leadership practices, receive constructive personalized feedback to speed and deepen their growth, and connect with a cohort of peer leaders for mutual support....

is making a comeback! Here’s what it can do for your workplace 🌿

Vox reports on a fascinating study showing that empathy among young Americans has climbed back to levels we haven't seen since the 1970s. This is a significant shift from the empathy slump of the early 2000s. So, why should your workplace care about this trend? It's simple: empathy and compassion are the building blocks of a great . When your team can walk in each other's shoes, communication becomes more effective, collaboration improves, and job satisfaction grows.

Read more:

Compassion is making a comeback in America A decade ago, research showed a troubling dip in empathy. A new study provides more hope.

Here's what the Leading Edge team is learning about culture, executives, and boards this month. Dive into the latest CEP State of Nonprofits 2024 report, learn about the current expectations and experiences of Gen Z and Millennials in the workplace, discover how nonprofit CEOs are working to make their roles more manageable, explore ways for a board to create a culture of fundraising, and more.

What We're Learning | Leading Edge Here's what the Leading Edge team is learning about culture, executives, and boards this month.

Exciting news! Applications are now OPEN for the Leading Executives program! Calling all execs in their first five years looking to unlock their full leadership potential — don't miss your chance to join this transformative journey, packed with invaluable insights and unparalleled peer connections. Apply by June 25, 2024. Learn more and apply here 👉

Leading Executives | A program of Leading Edge Leading Executives is an executive training program by Leading Edge for senior-most organizational leaders. Participants will learn dynamic leadership practices, receive constructive personalized feedback to speed and deepen their growth, and connect with a cohort of peer leaders for mutual support....

is a reminder that our teams and organizations are immeasurably richer when truly everyone belongs. Happy Pride!

What does it mean for employees to truly feel they belong in the workplace? Leading Edge COO and Spertus Institute faculty member Mordy Walfish explored this critical question in his recent workshop, "Navigating Today's Jewish Workplace.” Spertus's blog post offers a thought-provoking overview of Mordy's frameworks, including strategies for clarifying boundaries, creating career pathways, and ultimately strengthening organizational culture and employee engagement during challenging times.

Read more:

Belonging in the Workplace In a recent online professional development workshop, Spertus faculty member Mordy Walfish explored the issue of employee engagement.

In the latest Identity/Crisis podcast episode, "Measuring the Crisis", Leading Edge board member Mimi Kravetz of Jewish Federations of North America joins host Yehuda Kurtzer to discuss a surprising surge in Jewish engagement and solidarity with Israel, following the events of October 7th. Listen to the complete discussion to learn how Jewish institutions can adapt to meet the needs of those seeking community and connection in the wake of tragedy.

Measuring the Crisis Discussing JFNA’s recent surveys on Jewish community engagement, vulnerability, and solidarity with Israel in North America and how Jewish institutions can adapt to these changes.

Imagine you're an academic named Donald, working on a research paper. How far would you go to find a co-author named Duck, just for a witty byline? This week, Leading Edge staff came across a recent FT article that delved into the topic of infusing fun into the workplace by highlighting this very academic, as well as Steve Jobs' infamous prank during the first iPhone unveiling 17 years ago, where he jokingly ordered 4,000 lattes from a local Starbucks.

While we certainly don't condone ruffling feathers at your local café, there's a valuable lesson to be learned here, especially during challenging times like these for the Jewish world. In a world where 60% of the workforce feels emotionally disconnected from their work (source: Gallup, 2023 State of the Global Workplace report), making a conscious effort to inject some humor and fun into our routines can be truly transformative.

🦆 Read the FT article: https://www.ft.com/content/6a9236de-e3d8-4734-886e-546402c80d3a

The case for having more fun at work There are serious reasons for having a laugh on the job

What does the future hold for American Jews? Join our board member Yolanda Savage-Narva, staff writer for The Atlantic, Franklin Foer, AU professor Pamela Nadell, and CNN's David Gregory tomorrow as they dive into this intriguing topic at the Washington Hebrew Congregation 👉

America’s Jewish Future: What‘s on the Horizon? - Washington Hebrew Congregation Franklin Foer’s recent piece in The Atlantic, The Golden Age of American Jews Is Ending, sparked discussions and debate among Jews across the country. Washington Hebrew Congregation, Temple Sinai, and ...

Wishing you a meaningful and restful Memorial Day weekend. As we enjoy this time, let us remember and honor the sacrifices made by our country's brave service members.

🧠 The "hyperactive hive mind" work culture, fueled by the constant flow of emails, has taken a toll on our mental health and productivity. In "A World Without Email," author Cal Newport investigates this phenomenon and provides practical strategies for working more effectively in the digital world. Our Reading Edge breaks down the key takeaways from this must-read book for anyone looking to combat workplace fatigue:

Reading Edge: A World Without Email For many of us, the sense of workplace fatigue dates back to the advent of email, which made communication easier but also more constant. "A World Without Email" is Cal Newport's exploration of how the "hyperactive hive mind" work culture, fueled by email's ascent, has led to widespread burnout, dec...

fact: The average employee switches between over 35 job-critical apps more than 1,100 times daily! 🤯 This article, which made the rounds this week on our internal Slack, emphasizes the importance of strategic digital collaboration in the landscape:

To thrive, organizations must carefully curate their stacks and provide employees with clear guidance on using tools effectively. By doing so, they can reduce app overload and boost productivity. As we continue to adapt to the evolving nature of work, it's essential to consider how orgs can optimize their digital collaboration strategies to support productivity and employee well-being. 🙌

Why employers need to fine-tune their collaboration, productivity tech stacks The average employee is switching between over 35 job-critical apps over 1,100 times daily, halting collaboration and productivity.

"Board culture and trust drive board effectiveness." This key finding from Leading Edge's recent report on Jewish nonprofit boards is highlighted in a new EJewish Philanthropy opinion piece by Jan Cook Reicher (she/her) of JCRC of San Francisco. The article shares how JCRC is cultivating a thriving board culture through innovative strategies like:

🔄 Shifting mindsets around board operations and governance

👥 Prioritizing in-person relationship-building

🎓 Holding educational retreats to build shared vision

💬 Structuring meetings for learning and generative discussions

Read the full piece for more insights on creating a positive board culture that positions organizations for long-term success. 🔗 https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/creating-a-positive-board-culture-in-challenging-times/

Download our report here: https://www.leadingedge.org/resource/jewish-nonprofit-boards/

Creating a positive board culture in challenging times At a time of escalating division, fear, anger and loss, having strong board leadership and deep board relationships is vital.

May is both Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. This great article from The Conversation illuminates the rich tapestry of the Asian Jewish American experience.

Asian Jewish Americans have a double reason to celebrate their heritage in May This month marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, as well as Jewish American Heritage Month.

Prof. Joshua Margolis of Harvard Business School recently joined Leading Edge for a crucial discussion, facilitated by board member Rachel Kay, on the critical challenges and opportunities surrounding the Jewish nonprofit talent pipeline.

A few points that particularly resonated:

✅ matters for professionals too, not just those served by Jewish organizations. Compensation, prestige and respect are crucial to attract top talent.

✅ Organizations serve multiple simultaneously - practical/mission-driven, investment vehicle, and venue for human connection. Leaders must balance all three.

✅ Developing the who develop others is vital. Most mentorship happens on the job.

✅ True requires real comfort with . Experiments that disprove hypotheses are valuable learning opportunities.

Curious to learn more? Our blog post features more insights, as well as the complete video recording of the discussion:

Insights on the Jewish Talent Pipeline from Harvard Business School Prof. Joshua Margolis Recently, Leading Edge convened a conversation with funders, professional leaders, board members, and other Jewish nonprofit stakeholders, about the Jewish talent pipeline. The event featured a conversation with Prof. Joshua Margolis of Harvard Business School, facilitated by Leading Edge’s board ...

Explore the diverse identities in the Jewish nonprofit sector and learn strategies for cultivating inclusivity and belonging in your organization. Don't miss the online workshop "Connect & Learn: Navigating Today’s Jewish Workplace" on May 21, led by Leading Edge COO Mordy Walfish. Register today!

Spertus Institute's Connect & Learn, Presented With JPRO Chicago The Jewish nonprofit sector includes an array of voices, identities, and perspectives. Learn how to best navigate this diversity in charged moments such as we now find ourselves. Discover how to create organizations that balance diverse voices and foster a sense of belonging.

Happy Israel Independence Day! Today we celebrate the extraordinary, resilient, and vibrant people and State of Israel.