DonnaRae Scheffert's blog
Judging Fundamentals of Great Organizations
Submitted by DonnaRae Scheffert on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 8:29pmOn the draft winds of the Olympics it is timely to consider rating systems. For example, if a public organization were to be judged, what would the rubric be? How can an organization be a ’10?’
The Olympic skater we saw at Vancouver skating, jumping, and doing other elements was given a total score. They may have been flawless with their jumps and yet other elements could bring their score down.
Organizations must perform well too. Like athletes, they have to perform with a number of variables.
As a consultant, I am often asked to assist an organization develop one of the fundamentals. For example, a frequent request is to help with strategic planning. A clear plan and goals is important. However, I usually request that the organization also allow some time to discuss ‘the eight fundamentals of great organizations.’
Visit Farmamerica: Picturesque Farms 1850 and 1930
Submitted by DonnaRae Scheffert on Mon, 02/22/2010 - 4:48pm
The Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center (Farmamerica) at Waseca was commissioned in 1978 by the legislature to preserve and promote the strong heritage of Minnesota agriculture. This is done through experiential learning at a 120-acre site which encourages guests to take an agricultural journey that goes from 1850 to the present.
Staff and volunteers at Farmamerica help youth and others see the changes that have occurred in Minnesota agriculture over time. They are stewards of the public, nonprofit organization mission set forth by the Legislature.
Recently, I worked with the Farmamerica board of directors and staff at a planning conference. They are working to add more current and futuristic agricultural exhibits as well as expand partnerships.
Northfield Team Heads to Peru
Submitted by DonnaRae Scheffert on Mon, 01/11/2010 - 10:28am
Dr. Jerry Appeldoorn, a Northfield dentist and others will leave on a medical teaching mission to Peru this week.
The group includes four pediatricians, one nurse, three dentists, one dental assistant, and sixteen college students. The students are undergraduates from St. Olaf College.
The goal of the mission is to provide health care to the people and mentoring to the students. The actual take away is even richer.
“I am a changed person,” says Appeldoorn. “It has restored my faith in people. Although it is a cliché, I have realized that I get more out of it than I ever give to the people.”
