The Meta-Taxonomy of Foundational Thinking (MTFT) model was introduced in my previous post (First Principles First). That version has been inverted and expanded in this explanatory article, to address the wider range of considerations involved when using the model for problem solving and decision-making. The header image (From Root to Fruit) uses a tree metaphor… Continue reading Foundational Thinking for Nonprofit Leaders
Tag: governance
First Principles First
Thinking about first principles, the oft-quoted line from philosopher-comedian Groucho Marx, “Those are my principles, and if you don’t like those … I have others” comes to mind. Beyond the moral ambiguity implied, might there be a hidden reference to other legitimate sets of first principles here? If so, what would this mean for nonprofit… Continue reading First Principles First
The Consequentiality of Unintended Consequences – Part 3
Mind bending, surprising, and shocking plot twists are common narrative devices, designed to intrigue and entertain audiences. Yet when a plot twist occurs in our working life, especially when it results from our own actions, none of us see this as ‘entertaining’. ‘Tales of the Unintended’ in the header image is an adaptation of Roald… Continue reading The Consequentiality of Unintended Consequences – Part 3
The Consequentiality of Unintended Consequences – Part 2
The nature of unintended consequences (types, causes, and rating levels) was broadly canvassed in Part 1 of this series. This sequel considers how the side-effects of your activities fit within your risk management system. To recap – unintended risks are those we incur as side effects of our own goals and actions (or inaction), rather… Continue reading The Consequentiality of Unintended Consequences – Part 2
The Consequentiality of Unintended Consequences – Part 1
In the mission-driven world of non-profits, our decisions are infused with purpose, values, and an abiding desire to make a difference. Yet, despite noble intentions, our actions can yield surprising — and sometimes counterproductive — outcomes. Collateral damage, side-effects, and ripple effects are just some of the names we give to unintended consequences. We all… Continue reading The Consequentiality of Unintended Consequences – Part 1
Goals and Goal-setting Insights
We all engage in goal setting and execution all the time. We do this whenever we form an intention to do something (or not). You would think that it is such a familiar activity that we would all be quite expert at it. Regrettably, it remains challenging for many of us – especially at work.… Continue reading Goals and Goal-setting Insights
Governance ‘Freedoms’ and their constraints
“Art lives on constraint and dies of freedom”[Michelangelo] Paraphrasing Michelangelo, we might also say that the art of governance is catalysed by constraints and lacks focus or coherence when directors are free to do what they want. For those of us who think of governance as a system of controls, it may seem that the… Continue reading Governance ‘Freedoms’ and their constraints
Ethical Communications
Nonprofit organisations generally have communication and social media policies to guide their spokespeople and staff on acceptable practices. Despite this, mis-communications and other communication problems occur, especially where social media is involved. Most of the tensions within our communities are fuelled by words. Words used to label, blame, shame, or cancel people. Legitimate protests can… Continue reading Ethical Communications
Balancing ‘long’ and ‘short’ strategic perspectives
The ‘strategic horizon‘ most nonprofits use is between 3-5 years. That seems to be about as far into the future as we feel able to project – either in terms of what we might confidently predict about our operating environment, or the timespan over which we are willing to commit to achieving our goals. Such… Continue reading Balancing ‘long’ and ‘short’ strategic perspectives
The Skilful Uses of Silence
Much of our thinking and advice about advocacy and communication focuses on speaking up. Most associations and charities think of themselves as being ‘the voice’ of their cause or group. Rhetorical skills and wordsmithing are highlighted as we consider how messages are framed and delivered to various key audiences. “Silence” carries a long history, with… Continue reading The Skilful Uses of Silence