Giving Compass' Take:

• In this Forbes article, philanthropy advisor Kris Putnam-Walkerly discusses ways that those in the nonprofit sector can generate new ideas and think big — what she calls a "secret weapon" for more thoughtful giving.

• Even if you don't have a particular "secret weapon," as described, this piece may inspire you to seek out fresh avenues, whether it's reading material or peer networks. Every little bit helps.

• Here's how to be a strategic follower in philanthropy.

Changes in technology and more can make the day-to-day work of managing a foundation very full, and sometimes overflowing. Every foundation CEO or board chair needs to create space for something more, though — your own way of pausing the routine and thinking bigger. I like to call it a “secret weapon.” It varies for each individual, but the outcome is the same: allowing time to better reflect, think and inform your philanthropy.

What do you read?

There’s no shortage of information available to better advise your work. Most clients I talk to are frustrated with information overload. Yes, that is something you have to consider before you subscribe to 25 different email newsletters. But think about the challenges that are really holding you back right now—internal communication, evaluating grantee success, whatever it may be—and seek out one or two related websites or email newsletters to review regularly.

Where can you build camaraderie?

You have a conference coming up in two weeks, but you’re behind in your grant application review. You want to prioritize what you think is most important for the foundation, so you cancel your trip to the conference. Don’t! Getting out of your office and sitting face-to-face with others who are dealing with the same challenges of philanthropy is critical. This is the way to break through the bubble of your daily work and see how your peers are handling some of the very same issues.

Whom do you confide in?

Everyone needs an advisor or coach to guide them through day-to-day decision making and strategy implementation. Someone who is an expert in the industry, whom you can trust and confide in and who has a third-party, objective view of the situation.

Read the full article about secrets to success in philanthropy by Kris Putnam-Walkerly at Forbes.