Flexible Organizational Structure

The following concepts are based on FEMA’s Incident Command System (ICS). It was originated by the military and adopted by FEMA. The advantage is that only those sections needed to respond need to be stood up. That allows for a flexible structure that expands and contracts to meet the needs of the organization. ICS is also used to manage large events. Here are some basic lessons that can be applied to any small business or nonprofit.

Resources refer to equipment, facilities, and personnel. A resource is virtually anything that is needed to conduct business. There are four broad categories that define the ICS structure. The operations section includes personnel that carry out the work. The logistics department supports the other sections. They obtain equipment, food, lodging and anything else required to do the job. The planning section plans the work.

The finance and administration section sets the budget, includes procurement activities and tracks hours, compensation and benefits. To learn more go to http://training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.aspx

Now that a flexible organizational structure is clear, the next series of posts will be on setting up resource sharing agreements. This concept is also from FEMA. Refer to FEMA IS 703 in the preceding link to FEMA courses for more information on this topic.

Performance Appraisal Training

How to Design and Implement an Employee Appraisal Program

If employees cringe at the thought of an annual performance evaluation, the process needs to be redefined. A good apraisal process marries the company or organizations outcome measures to its composite performance. The concept of composite performance indicates no one resource can effectively carry out all the roles and functions, therefore, as a jumping off place employees need to be matched for optimal fit based on their knowledge, skills and talent. When one resource holds all the information it poses a serious risk. In this workshop attendees will learn how to

• Maximize Talent
• Provide Incentives
• Increase Buy-In
• Improve Morale
• Implement and Manage Organizational Change
• Honor Achievement
• Use Appraisals to Meet Organizational Goals and Objectives

Making Every Dollar Count

Making Every Dollar Count
This is a basic workshop aimed at helping nonprofit organizations leverage every type of resource. Nonprofits often lack finances and manpower to fulfill their mission effectively which can lead to discouragement. Learn how to find compatible partners, and negotiate simple resource sharing agreements. Project work groups allow small nonprofits to become stakeholders in larger projects by working together. In this workshop you will discover ways to improve your  organization's capacity by learning abou the following concepts:
 

• What Are Resource Sharing Agreements and Why Do They Matter?
• Understanding the Value of  Strategic Alliances
• How to Design and Manage a Project Work Group