I have been delighted to learn that many of my best colleagues cringe just as I do at the phrase “best practices.” Best for whom? When? Why? Let’s take an example. It’s best practice to avoid having spouses on a board. And many of us have seen horrible results from such arrangements. If one spouse … Read more
Governance specialists encourage board members to have inquiring minds and to ask challenging questions. You can’t add value by rubber stamping recommendations. That does not mean that asking why kitchen supplies increased by $42 over last year, in a four million dollar budget, is a good question! Nor are questions like, “Are you out of … Read more
We can better achieve organizational sustainability with a common understanding within each organization. That would ensure our efforts and resources can be aligned towards the same type of sustainability. Otherwise, they may be scattered or even at odds. Last year I joined the board of a land trust. I’ve working with and in many kinds … Read more
These blog articles from 2017 stand out in my mind as thought-provoking yet practical, with innovative ideas to benefit our organizations and ourselves or at least great ways to cover a topic. And they will lead you to sites that contain many excellent blog articles – check the lists at each for what titles resonate … Read more
Is it a maze where employees, volunteers and stakeholders make choice with little or no information and no clear view of the main goal? A highway system where choices are clearly marked and you know how far it is to your destination—but only one or two routes will get you there, and each vehicle is … Read more
