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Executive Director
If you’re a fan of crime dramas, you’re well aware that recovering fingerprints—the impressions left by the friction ridges (raised portion of the epidermis) of a human finger—is often an important part of a crime scene investigation. And when the identity associated with the fingerprints is revealed, it doesn’t always match the initial suspect nabbed by law enforcement. According to the Wikipedia page on the topic, “Human fingerprints are detailed, nearly unique, difficult to alter, and durable over the life of an individual, making them suitable as long-term markers of human identity.”
Leaving one’s ‘fingerprints’ on an organization, versus a crime scene, is generally less sinister! The expression is used to describe the lasting impression and contributions of an employee or volunteer. For nonprofit leaders working in operations, such as finance, HR, risk management, and facility management, leaving an impression on a nonprofit is like leaving a legacy. Over the years I’ve heard many colleagues talk about their contributions to an organization’s more efficient structure, to the modernization of key policies, or the rollout of consistent training and onboarding. Making a mission mark is something we should strive for and be proud of.
This week I’ve been reading Good Counsel: Meeting the Legal Needs of Nonprofits, by Lesley Rosenthal. I was fortunate to meet Lesley last week during a networking event for General Counsel who serve nonprofit missions. Lesley is the General Counsel of Lincoln Center in New York. In her chapter titled “Taking Charge of the Legal Function,” Lesley writes, ”Sometimes the best compliment a lawyer can get is that she left no visible fingerprints on a great new initiative.” She recounts reading a journalist’s review of Lincoln Center’s redevelopment project, which included the following reference to Lincoln Center’s roof top lawn: “Somehow the lawyers never got at this idea, never sank it with fears of imaginary dangers. It feels fresh and accidental, adolescent and fun.”
Lesley’s reminder that “sometimes the best legal review is invisible” is a timely tip for risk leaders. Author Bruce Kasanoff supplements this sentiment when he writes “…the fact is that you can accomplish much more, if you don’t worry about taking the credit” in his piece “The Incredible Power of Not Taking Credit.”
Knowing when to leave your fingerprints could be called a mark of a great leader–one who practices selfless leadership. Our fingerprints tell the story of our true motivations, whether those drivers are personal glory or altruistic service to the missions and communities we represent.
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” – Shannon L. Alder, author
Melanie Lockwood Herman is Executive Director of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. Melanie invites your comments on fingerprints and selfless risk leadership at Melanie@nonprofitrisk.org or 703.777.3504.
“First let me congratulate you on a conference well done. I had a great time at the Nonprofit Employee Benefits Conference and walked away with some valuable tools and questions that we’ll need to be addressing in both the short and long term. Thanks to you and your staff for all you do to provide us with quality resources in support of our missions.”
“BBYO’s engagement of NRMC to conduct a risk assessment was one of the most valuable processes undertaken over the past five years. Numerous programmatic and procedural changes were recommended and have since been implemented. Additionally, dozens (literally) of insurance coverage gaps were identified that would never have been without the work of NRMC. This assessment led to a broker bidding process that resulted in BBYO’s selection of a new broker that we have been extremely satisfied with. I unconditionally recommend the Center for their consultative services.
“Melanie Herman has provided expert, insightful, timely and well resourced information to our Executive Team and Board of Directors. Our corporation recently experienced massive growth through merger and the Board has been working to better integrate their expanded set of roles and responsibilities. Melanie presented at our Annual Board of Director’s Retreat and captured the interest of our Board members. As a result of her excellent presentation the Board has engaged in focused review which is having immediate effects on governance.”
“The Nonprofit Risk Management Center has been an outstanding partner for us. They are attentive to our needs, and work hard to successfully meet our requests for information. Being an Affiliate member gave us access to so many time- and money-saving resources that it easily paid for itself! Nonprofit Risk Management Center is truly a valued partner of The Community Foundation of Elkhart County and we are continuously able to optimize staff time with the support given by their team.”
“The board and staff of the Prince George’s Child Resource Center are extremely pleased with the results of the risk assessment conducted by the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. A thorough scan revealed that while we are a well run organization, we had risks that we never imagined. We are grateful to know that we have now minimized our organizational risks and we recommend the Center to other nonprofits.”
Great American Insurance Group’s Specialty Human Services is committed to protecting those who improve your communities. The NRMC team has committed to delivering dynamic risk management solutions tailored to nonprofit organizations. These organizations have many and varied risk issues, hence the need for specialized coverage and expert knowledge for their protection. We’ve had Melanie speak on several occasions to employees and our agents. She is always on point and delivers such great value. Thank you for the terrific partnership and allowing our nonprofits to focus on their mission!