Author Archives: The Optimistic Cynic

Your thoughts?

I’ve been calling myself a sounding board for a while now but while the words are common, the service isn’t well understood. Many others stick to a broad definition like an advisor, mentor or coach. There is a difference between these terms but it’s fairly subtle and does the average person seeking help truly understandContinue reading “Your thoughts?”

A Sounding Board = IQ + EQ

It’s easy to describe to someone your experience and to show what you’ve done across your career. This is also what we often look for in people we want to engage with – a coach, mentor, advisor or sounding board. It’s their experience that we see as valuable. This is only part of the packageContinue reading “A Sounding Board = IQ + EQ”

Close that charity NOW

OK maybe not…. I’ve been thinking and talking a lot lately about the need for For Purpose organisations to collaborate to ensure their sustainability in the face of decreasing levels of funding. Duplication helps no one. This is sound medium term thinking but it doesn’t overcome the fundamental issue. There are too many charities andContinue reading “Close that charity NOW”

Lets Talk Ethics

Reading The Four Pillars of Governance Best Practice from the Institute of Directors, it was great to see a chapter devoted to ethics.  It is increasingly a major factor in the sustainability of any business and something that needs to be taken seriously. It doesn’t matter how big your organisation is, if it forgets itsContinue reading “Lets Talk Ethics”

So you’ve thinking, what’s the big deal?

It’s refreshing to have more lateral thinking time.  Until I left, I didn’t fully realise the cost of three years in a role that was very inwards focussed. I knew I missed the strategy and external networking but I underestimated my need to ponder “random” ideas. Clifton Strengthfinders identified that strategic, ideation and intellection areContinue reading “So you’ve thinking, what’s the big deal?”

Sometimes looking back helps

When you’re looking for your next employment challenge, it can be very difficult – especially in the current climate. When you’re head down striving for that success, it can be a matter of focusing on one issue after another. Today I was reminded how positive it can be to look back and contemplate your successesContinue reading “Sometimes looking back helps”

Your purchasing can change the world

Procurement isn’t normally the first thing that springs to mind when we talk about changing the world. Maybe it should be. Every time your organisation buys something, someone makes a choice about where that money goes. Normally we think about price, quality, specifications, delivery and service. Quite rightly too. But why stop there? Imagine aContinue reading “Your purchasing can change the world”