Leadership – The Optimistic Cynic

Think S for Growth

I’m no academic nor an economist but I do understand how some models and theories can be used to illustrate real world issues. So much advice is around saying that leaders need to work on their business, not just in it. LinkedIn is full of this mantra. Are we doing this though, and if so,Continue reading “Think S for Growth”

It will never be everything

I had another fantastic coffee catch up today – having been head down for three years, I really did miss these mental stimulation opportunities. One of the many topics we discussed was AI and once again I was reminded that no matter how clever it is, it definitely has limitations. AI is really an amazingContinue reading “It will never be everything”

We need to end fragmentation

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”

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?

It works well for purposeful leaders. It can be a hard and lonely place when passion and management collide. I can relate; I’ve been there. When you need someone who can listen well, think clearly, and stay grounded, you need is 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”