Merrill Gardens’ Post

We're back with another values post - this time, about our first core value: Lead with Respect. 💚   When we started Hummingbird, we talked a lot about the company we wanted to be. We unanimously agreed that we put people first and at the heart of everything we do. Lead with Respect became a north star of ours - we believe that in order to succeed in our mission…we have to be steadfast in the prioritization of kindness and compassion. We set aside personal interests and overcome biases - even when it's hard - to choose the well-being and inclusion of others.   Respect means different things to different people. Here's how a few of our birds are seeing Lead with Respect show up in their day-to-day here at Hummingbird:   🙌 "When thinking about benefit design, we are exploring creative ways to improve the lives of people who work for us. Not just basic benefits, but asking our broker to tell us about lifestyle benefits that could really make a difference." - Blaire Skinner   ⏲ "Hummingbird's approach to time-off in general demonstrates the kindness and compassion of the company. People really are at the heart of everything we do! Though I don't have any kids of my own, I am part of the extended family caring for children and it's comforting to know that I can provide that assistance when I'm needed with the support of my employer. This approach makes it easy to work each day!" - Drea Williams   🌍 "I saw Lead with Respect on display last week as we have several team members impacted by world events and we're doing what we can to donate what we can to charities that support these causes." - Justin Jozwik   🤝 "The work we are doing is hard and we aren't always going to get it right. The folks leading our projects at Hummingbird have been great about accepting feedback and pivoting where it makes sense." - Rebecca Haymaker     Maintaining our dedication to leading with respect, kindness, and inclusivity ensures we stay true to our mission of elevating patient access and creating great jobs - all while building a great company culture. What about you? How do you see respect show up in your workplace? 🔎

Celebrating 100 newsletters! If the blog had a tagline, it would be, “Finding Hope in Challenging Times” or “How can we build a hopeful shared future together?” We would be the first to say that it is rough out there in so many ways. Our work is about leading inclusive conversations and building plans that create hope, compassion, and equity in organizations and in our larger world. What we have noticed, again and again, is how good people feel when their voices and perspectives are included in the direction of the work going forward. If you are curious how we might lead an #inclusive #strategicplanning process for your organization, reach out. The majority of our work is now strategic planning. Over the past year, we have been proud to complete planning work for six different organizations in Northern California and around the country – SOS Meals on Wheels, Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE), interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Bike East Bay, and Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation. Three of these were led by a consultant team. We continue to direct the California State University - East Bay #nonprofitmanagement Certificate program and teaching strategic planning and #boardgovernance for the program. We are still speaking ~monthly and will continue to do so in 2024. Some highlights this year included presenting at the NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference and the Stanford Social Innovation Review Nonprofit Management Institute. A goal for 2024 is to write a book about our work and process – which would support many more leaders to work in this way. This week, we are celebrating #hanukkah and lighting more candles each night. Hanukkah is about bringing each of our inner light out so that it is visible to the world. Through the work we are blessed to be able to do, our light shines a little brighter. And our hope for you is that you, too, find ways for your light to shine a little brighter this season and into 2024. We write in the spirit of curiosity about you and connection with you. What is bringing you light right now? And how are you seeking to expand your flame in the coming year? Share below and we’ll share top responses from the community next time. Sending light. Read the full post - https://bit.ly/3RFs4tr Want more posts on nonprofit strategy, racial equity, and leadership? Subscribe https://bit.ly/3qmL28Q

As we approach Giving Tuesday, I've taken a moment to pause and reflect on the year. Back in July, I set goals that were both ambitious and achievable. As we approached the Giving Season, I realized I would have to take a step back and focus on execution over strategy, leading me to consider postponing these goals to the next cycle. However, a closer examination revealed significant progress: ⭐ My presentation skills have sharpened significantly. ⭐ I've continued to develop innovative strategies and identified key trends for 2024. ⭐ I've grown into a mentor role, supporting my teammates' development. ⭐ My skills in strategizing LinkedIn ads for nonprofits have evolved. This introspection taught me that sometimes, in the pursuit of our goals, 𝘄𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆. The path may not always align with our initial vision, but stepping back often reveals the bigger picture. ➡ How often do we miss the forest for the trees? How frequently does the fear of failure deter us from trying again? ✨ This Giving Season, let's embrace courage. In 2024, let’s rethink what’s possible and achieve the unthinkable. 🚀

It’s normal to feel stressed because of our responsibilities or other life events. We can become stronger thanks to the support from the people around us. Reminding ourselves of what & who we are grateful for helps improve our well-being and reminds us that we're not alone. Visit https://bit.ly/4agQRe5  #HowRightNow #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

This article got me thinking about the value of genuine connections over formal exteriors, an underlying theme being that authenticity shouldn't be tucked away during 9-5. With Gen Z entering the workforce, nonprofits face so many opportunities. This generation's approach to careers offers insights into creating a more inclusive, balanced, and mission-driven workplace. I'd like more conversations exploring and redefining what it means to have a fulfilling career in service. Here's to creating environments were ideas flow as freely as casual Friday vibes, every day. Gen Z Is Open to Nonprofit Careers — but on Their Own Terms (philanthropy.com)

The Power of Giving Back: A Lesson in Leadership and Growth 🚀 As leaders and professionals, we often focus on achieving our goals, climbing the ladder, and constantly striving for more. But what if true success lies not just in what we achieve for ourselves, but in what we give back to others? Giving back – whether it's through volunteering our time, sharing our knowledge, or supporting causes we care about – is a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. It broadens our perspectives, deepens our empathy, and connects us to something larger than ourselves. The benefits of giving back are countless: Increased Happiness and Fulfillment: Studies show that giving back can boost our mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Stronger Teams and Communities: Volunteering and community involvement can build stronger bonds between colleagues and foster a sense of shared purpose. Enhanced Leadership Skills: Giving back provides opportunities to develop empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills – all essential for effective leadership. Positive Brand Image: Organizations that prioritize giving back are often seen as more attractive to potential employees and customers. Whether it's mentoring a young professional, volunteering at a local charity, or supporting a cause you believe in, find a way to give back that resonates with you. The rewards will be immeasurable, both for yourself and for those you touch. Let's inspire each other! Share your experiences with giving back in the comments below. How has it impacted your life and career? 👇 #givingback #leadership #personalgrowth #community #socialimpact

🎉 Celebrating July's Grand Finale! 🎉 🌞 As we bid adieu to July, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey this month has taken us on! 🚀 Whether you've been basking in the summer sun or hustling hard on your professional endeavors, this month has been nothing short of extraordinary! 🌈 📈 Personally, I've had the privilege to witness some inspiring achievements from my connections and colleagues. The resilience and determination displayed by each one of you have been truly remarkable. 💪 It's in these moments that we reaffirm our belief in the power of the human spirit and its ability to overcome any obstacle! 🌟 🌱 Just like the blooming flowers of spring, we too have grown and blossomed throughout the month. 💼 New opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations have been formed, paving the way for even more success in the future. Let's take a moment to appreciate our growth and the positive impact we've made on the lives of others! 🌱 🙌 July has also been a month of giving back and supporting causes close to our hearts. ❤️ Whether it's through charitable endeavors, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, we've shown that we are a community that cares! Let's continue this spirit of generosity and compassion into the coming months. 🤝 🎯 As we dive into August, let's set our sights on even greater accomplishments. 💡 Let's challenge ourselves to reach new heights, embrace innovation, and lead with empathy and understanding. Together, we can shape a future that empowers everyone to thrive! 💼 📢 So, I want to hear from YOU! What were your July highlights, both personally and professionally? 🗣️ Share your wins, lessons, and aspirations in the comments below. Let's celebrate our collective achievements and inspire each other to continue making a difference! 🔥 🚀 #JulyReflections #NewBeginnings #LinkedInCommunity #Inspiration #Goals #Empowerment #Success #AugustAmbitions 🚀 (Note: Don't forget to like, comment, and share this post if you're as excited about the future as I am! Together, we can make this post go viral and spread the positive vibes throughout the LinkedIn community! 🎉)