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How language shapes the way we think

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There are about 7,000 languages spoken around the world — and they all have different sounds, vocabularies and structures. But do they shape the way we think? In this fascinating TED Talk, cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky shares examples of language — from an Aboriginal community in Australia that uses cardinal directions instead of left and right to the multiple words for blue in Russian — that suggest the answer is a resounding yes. It’s just 14 minutes long and worth every minute! Click the photo to view at TED.

Photo of Lera Boroditsky

Building Trust

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How do you run an organization without trust? How does a nonprofit board of directors fulfill its duties without trust? Not easily.

At a recent Spokes workshop, the presenters talked about the importance of trust in building a resilient and inclusive board culture, but they didn’t say much about how to build trust in the first place. Where does it come from?

So, I asked my new friend chatGPT to list the most crucial factors for building trust. Here is what I got:

  1. Sincerity – Honesty and authenticity in words and actions.
  2. Reliability – Consistently following through on commitments.
  3. Competence – Possessing the skills and abilities necessary to fulfill responsibilities.
  4. Care – Demonstrating concern for the well-being of others.

Considering my life’s experience, those make perfect sense to me. I also asked chatGPT to recommend a couple books on the subject of building trust. The Thin Book of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work by Charles Feltman appealed to me.

Feltman provides a framework for evaluating trustworthiness, helping readers identify areas where trust may falter. The book emphasizes that trust is dynamic, built through repeated interactions, and can be repaired when broken.

https://www.bkconnection.com/books/title/the-thin-book-of-trust-third-edition

The Culture-Building Concept of “Porpoising”

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In our recent workshop, Cultivating a Robust and Collaborative Nonprofit Culture, the Applied Wisdom for Nonprofits leadership team introduced us to the idea of “porpoising.” This concept involves a deep-dive into your organization to uncover valuable insights at all levels. When nonprofit leaders periodically porpoise and practice observant listening amongst the organization’s diverse groups, they can detect signs of trouble before things spiral out of control. To build trust, be present, visible, and respectful when someone shares a problem or issue. To maintain trust, demonstrate action on the information given. Applied Wisdom for Nonprofits suggests that “no news is bad news” and “bad news is good news if you do something about it.” If things are quiet for too long, it may be time to porpoise. And if you find bad news, it presents a great opportunity to find—and celebrate—solutions together.

More information on the Applied Wisdom for Nonprofits principles, including porpoising and the Bad News is Good News philosophy, can be found here.

Spotlight on Spokes

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On October 8, 2024, Spokes board member Liz Summer and CEO Michael Simkins had the opportunity to talk with long-time radio host Dave Congalton on KVEC’s The Dave Congalton Show. Topics that came up included the difficulty nonprofits are having replenishing their pool of volunteers, efforts to help nonprofits diversify their boards, and how people can get involved with board service. Listen below!

Image used by permission.

Board Service 101

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Serving as a director on a nonprofit board offers valuable benefits to both you and your community. You’ll develop leadership skills, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact on a cause you care about. Your volunteer service ensures the organization stays mission-focused and effective, supporting positive change and enhancing the quality of life in your community.

Topics in this short introduction include:

Your responsibilities as a director
The three “duties” of a nonprofit director
Finding the right board for you
Typical time and financial commitment

Guiding nonprofits to achieve their goals through support and expert resources.

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