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”

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”

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”

Survival is a plan

It’s tough out there at the moment – we all know that. If you’re purpose driven, you see it from both sides. The need has increased while funding and/or sales are difficult. We want to do more, but it feels like we have less. It’s OK, saving the world takes time. It might sound counterintuitiveContinue reading “Survival is a plan”

I need to sort myself out

Not sure if my business model is really sorted…… I was going to write something here to promote other ways I can help businesses by providing an experienced hand when things are very busy or for a specific project. Administration Systems Writing Number crunching Databases Budgets Financial monitoring As is often the way however, itContinue reading “I need to sort myself out”

Why do you want to be redundant?

Before leadership was such a buzz word, I attended a first level supervisory course that left a piece of advice forever embedded in my brain. Your key job as a manager is to make yourself redundant. This pearl may date back to the ‘80s but it’s still a key fundamental for leadership. It’s about buildingContinue reading “Why do you want to be redundant?”