In case you didn’t notice, it’s hard out there. Increasing number of organisations applying for a smaller pool of donations. New contracts are almost unheard of while compliance is a never ending beast. If we want a thriving charitable sector, we need to be smarter. We can’t keep on setting up new organisations in theContinue reading “We need to end fragmentation”
Author Archives: The Optimistic Cynic
My cup runs over…
Coffee and a chat is a great foundation for discovery and learning. A gentle 30 minute walk on a clear frosty morning makes to doubly so. Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting a small business owner and finding out more about her enterprise. What I loved was how simple it was and yet itContinue reading “My cup runs over…”
Who needs a sounding board?
Owner operators or founders of an established SME If you carry responsibility for people, cashflow, and reputation Anyone who feels busy, stretched, or isolated at times If you need clear thinking, not theory or hype It works well for purposeful leaders. It can be a hard and lonely place when passion and management collide. IContinue reading “Who needs a sounding board?”
You’re making a decision? Why?
When trying to find solutions, we’re told to first understand the problem. Many of the decisions we make as leaders, and as people, don’t stem from what we see as a problem. We don’t sit and try and analyse it, we just know we have to make a decision and that’s what we do. SometimesContinue reading “You’re making a decision? Why?”
Just Explore
In an environment where everyone is trying to give you advice, it can be reassuring to sit down with a sounding board and just explore. This what I do…. I’m not a coach or advisor; I’m not an expert on some American management model that is apparently the answer to every issue, and I certainlyContinue reading “Just Explore”
Advisory Boards
We see that advisory boards are becoming more common in the commercial space, especially with SME, but I haven’t noticed this flowing through into the for-purpose sector. Advisory boards are set up to provide guidance and expertise to an organisation on a specific issue or strategy, not the business-as-usual governance, compliance and decision making thatContinue reading “Advisory Boards”
Veni, vidi, adiuvi
After yet again seeing the term veni, vidi, vici (I came, I saw, I conquered) pop up in a movie, I thought I’d shake up ol’ Julius’s phrase. In business we should be looking to conquer issues – and no, not our competitors. Grow the pie instead of trying to scoff it all. From anContinue reading “Veni, vidi, adiuvi”
Integrity
Too often people know the right path to follow, but what is right may not be easy, may not be as profitable or sometimes isn’t popular. It is however right. The difference between knowing the right path and taking the right path is often integrity. Integrity isn’t always easy, doesn’t always generate the most moneyContinue reading “Integrity”
“See it big, and keep it simple.” ~ Wilferd Peterson.
I’m currently reading “The Fish Rots from the Head, Developing Effective Board Directors” by Bob Garratt. It’s a great book and something every director, or aspiring director should sink their teeth into. One of the many points I’ve taken note of is how simple strategy really is. While I personally love a one page strategicContinue reading ““See it big, and keep it simple.” ~ Wilferd Peterson.”
A reflection
A period of reflection this afternoon reminded me of the time I had my first midlife career tangent. When you receive support, even though you had no prior knowledge that you needed it, it can have a profound impact. Suddenly giving back becomes really important to you. It’s more than just being thankful. It mightContinue reading “A reflection”
