My Book

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In the face of overwhelming challenges and persistent financial losses, this practical guide seeks to inspire and accompany leaders as they work to fully transform their not-for-profit, mission-driven organizations. Before describing how to ascend from the confluence of chaos, however, the author first outlines the various reasons, some quite subtle, that cause such organizations to fall into disarray, likening this to a ship that sails perilously close to the edge of a plunging waterfall. With practical and actionable steps and strategies, the author seeks to inspire leaders to forge a new path for their organizations toward lasting, sustainable change. Having identified and systematically resolved institutional problems, including deeper cultural issues, mission-driven organizations can then sail toward calmer waters, better equipped to avoid such waterfalls in the future.

Critical Praise for Saving Organizations That Matter

“Saving Organizations That Matter is an outstanding guide for non-profit leaders committed to the success of their organizations. With a profound respect for the unique mission of non-profit organizations, Rey Spadoni’s step-by-step approach to meaningful transformation is one that every new and experienced leader should read.” — Diana Franchitto, HopeHealth President & CEO

“Saving Organizations That Matter is a pragmatic resource for any leader looking to take an organization to another level in delivering on the mission driven purpose for which their organization exists. The particular focus on the balance of understanding culture along with having solid business ideas and strategies is something every leader should understand.” — Peter K. Markell, Executive Vice-President of Administration and Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Mass General Brigham

“Rey Spadoni’s experience, personal stories and insights make this an invaluable resource for leaders in troubled organizations. Rey’s approach encourages each of us to become more mindful of the important work we do, and to become better versions of ourselves as leaders. It is an important read for every leader in a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization.” — Dr. Susan I. Belanger, Senior Vice President of Mission Integration and Ethics, Covenant Health

“Rey Spadoni has written a book for every leader who works for a mission-driven organization, regardless of whether their organization is struggling or not. Highly recommended.” – Geoffrey J. Coffman, Retired Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.

Book Description

Saving Organizations That Matter: Ascending From the Confluence of Chaos is a practical guide to the turnaround and transformation of not-for-profit, mission driven organizations written from the perspective of someone who has been through many such experiences, whether as employee, consultant, manager, executive, CEO or member of the board. It features a number of strategies that can be deployed, often immediately, to help change the trajectory of organizations that are facing challenges and declining performance.

Rey Spadoni has been involved in a number of organizational turnarounds and transformations, some quite high profile, which have ranged from $5m programs to major divisions within multi-billion dollar enterprises. In one section of the book, he states: “The notion of a confluence of chaos can be likened to a tropical storm. Meteorologists study their causes and predict their expected trajectories. Those who are likely to be impacted follow these reports and act accordingly. Once the storm hits, however, those who are caught within it have little use for scientific data or predictive analysis. They are concerned about safety, survival and the status of their home and belongings. There is the top-down analytical approach to tropical storms and then there is the reality of confronting one from inside of it. So too with organizational chaos.”

The author has been within many such “storms” and understands the overwhelming feeling that employees, managers, executives and board members can feel as their organization is spiraling downward. There are theoretical books on this subject, but those within these situations are seeking clarity and speed and can be motivated often by urgency and fear.

Saving Organizations That Matter: Ascending From the Confluence of Chaos is for anyone in an organization that is experiencing struggle, seeking a way to improve, to reinvent themselves and to chart a new course. It is also for leaders in stable organizations who are actively working to avoid future decline and threats to their mission.

Before describing how to ascend from the “confluence of chaos”, the author first outlines the various reasons, some quite subtle, that cause such organizations to fall into disarray, likening this to a ship that sails perilously close to the edge of a plunging waterfall. With practical and actionable steps and strategies, the author seeks to inspire leaders to forge a new path for their organizations toward lasting, sustainable change. Having identified and systematically resolved institutional problems, including deeper cultural issues, mission-driven organizations can then sail toward calmer waters, better equipped to avoid such waterfalls in the future.

Available here.