The first of the 7 Habits recommended by Dr Stephen R Covey in his classic self-development reference is to be proactive. “Anytime we think the problem is ‘out there,’ that thought is the problem. We empower what’s out there to control us…The proactive approach is to change from the inside out: to be different, and… Continue reading Proactive risk management – expanding your ‘circle of control’
Tag: procedures
The shared purpose mirror: Ideal decision and execution triangles
It has been widely recognised that good governance decisions involve identification of the ‘sweet spot’ where cost, risk, and benefit trade-offs can be achieved. A ‘mirror’ set of balancing factors is involved however when management is charged with implementation of those decisions – as illustrated above. Best practice strategy execution requires management to identify the… Continue reading The shared purpose mirror: Ideal decision and execution triangles
“All models are wrong, but some are useful”
Originally a reflection on statistical modeling, this quote from British statistician George E. P. Box can also be helpfully applied to most business and planning models commonly used in strategic planning and governance deliberations. The quote is similar to American scientist and philosopher Alfred Korzybski’s remarks that “the map is not the territory” and that… Continue reading “All models are wrong, but some are useful”
Purpose + Principles = Policies and Procedures
Not-for-profit directors generally understand that part of their governance role involves setting policies to guide the actions of office bearers, staff, and volunteers. However, not all of them have understood the importance of capturing the principles underpinning the policy in question. For the purposes of this article, the policies we are considering are ‘governance policies‘… Continue reading Purpose + Principles = Policies and Procedures