Ellen Schall

Every family has its own unique dynamics and conversations. Philanthropy adds a new dimension to these conversations which are often taking place both within and between generations. This is why 21/64 partnered with New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service to create a case study about multigenerational issues in family foundations. By exploring the issues of a hypothetical family in this case study, and utilizing questions in the accompanying Facilitator's Guide, families and professional advisors can begin to develop a healthy family process and productive philanthropic enterprise.

Many organizations, especially public agencies, are in need of revitalization. Often the arrival of a new leader is an opportune moment to reinvigorate the agency, yet the yield from this opportunity critically depends on the way in which the leader joins with the existing staff. The following article examines some of the dynamics of a new leader's arrival and explores the power of a strategic theme to link the leader and the inherited staff productively. We examine the early phases of the emergence of a strategic theme and look at the critical transition when the theme begins to shape behavior. We conclude with advice on the use of themes as vehicles for revitalization.