I’ve been in the creative and cultural sector long enough to remember a time before business plans (yes, there really was one!), we mainly worked on the basis of funding agreements. Over time the focus shifted, and we have spent some years perfecting the art of the business plan. Last year showed us that much…
For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice…And to make an end, is to make a beginning. (T S Eliot. Four Quartets) As the New Year begins in earnest, it is clear that much is still going to be demanded of all of us. While we had…
Blob Opera This wonderful experiment from Google Arts and Culture lets you conduct your own four voice choir of multi coloured blob people. It also comes with Christmas carols for extra joy. Whilst you are there do try out some of the other experiments – guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The creative potential…
This has been a rollercoaster of a year, we’ve encountered more novel and challenging circumstances in a shorter time period than I can recall in other part of my lifetime. New words have entered the lexicon and just as we felt we were getting to grips with things the situation changed again. Trying to reflect…
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain. Anon, more recently attributed to Vivien Greene (1904 – 2003) The metaphorical rain has been rather heavy this year. The plans we all started this year with had been torn up by the end of March. We…
Revised Charity Governance Code is out A new edition of the Code was issued this week. The sections on integrity and equality, diversity and inclusion have been revised and strengthened. The Code is a great tool for enabling constructive conversations about board development. The power of (creation) myths The stories we tell ourselves about how…
Values aren’t buses… They’re not supposed to get you anywhere. They’re supposed to define who you are. Jennifer Crusie I think this has been a year where values have come to the fore, when the spotlight has shone on the things that really mean something to us. Voices have been raised about community, equality, fairness…
Ideas for using data well to improve diversity It is not enough to collect the data; we have to use it well and there are some good tips here from two behavioural scientists. The article is based on a white paper from the Harvard Kennedy School that includes case studies from the UK. How to…
Having goals is a pain in the neck… living without them is a lot more fun, in the short run. It seems to me, though, that the people who get things done, who lead, who grow and who make an impact… those people have goals. Godin (2009) Many of us are feeling both overwhelmed and…
Status quo bias is evident when people prefer things to stay the same by doing nothing…or by sticking with a decision made previously (Samuelson and Zeckhauser, 1988) When was the last time you changed your energy, Internet, or mobile phone provider? There are plenty of studies that have shown that making this kind of change…
Managing through ambiguity Timely and affirming piece about the importance of working with values when facing ambiguity from Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, creator of the AREA approach to decision making Getting the best from hybrid working Thoughtful piece from Lynda Gratton (Hot Spots Movement) about the need to think seriously about re-designing work given the shift…
We have to work differently now. We must live our values. We need to behave differently in this organisation. These phrases, or variations thereof, are common themes in our many conversations at the moment. There is a widespread acceptance that re-imagined visions and values and new business models and plans, can only be delivered if…
Re-imagining the way businesses operate This article poses three questions which would make a great framework for any planning workshop right now. Who are we? Do we have a compelling, standout identity that attracts and inspires employees, investors, clients, and partners? Do we convey why we exist through a resonant purpose, a strong value agenda, and…