Nonprofit Boards Power of Positive Thinking

According to Harvard motivation theorist David McClelland, the waxing and waning of civiliations, and the growth and decline of economies, are heavily influenced by the stories we tell ourselves and our children.  If the predominant images in our folktales, children's stoies, and popular myths are positive, and emphasize moderate risk-taking, creative initiative, personal responsibility, and long-range vision, McLelland contends, then our society as a whole, and the econmy in particular are more likely to flourish.

I took this quote from an editorial by Eric Utne, editor of the Utne Reader (Nov-Dec 11).  I was struck that Mr. McLelland and Mr. Utne's concept apply really well to nonprofit boards.  Hence, if the board's predominant images of its nonprofit are positive and empahsize moderate risk-taking, creative initiative, personal responsiblity, and long-range vision, the potential for success by the organization is greater.

Using this paradigm, how would you say your nonprofit board is doing?