GOVERNANCE IN NOT-FOR-PROFITS.....RANDOM LEARNINGS

Not-for-Profits frequently enjoy a purpose for being that more easily draws people with skill, experience and enthusiasm to their staff organizations and Boards. Board members are attracted by the opportunity to share in a corporate mission that is often trying to do some good for a part of our society that is struggling. Individual Board members resonate with the mission and see their skill set as helping further the goals and make a difference. For an experienced executive this is a great opportunity to give something back to society. And with a scenario like that for a not-for-profit, what can possibly go wrong with Board governance?

I draw upon three examples from my own Board experiences to demonstrate that speed bumps can (and will) occur.

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NEW MANDATE - SENIORS LIVING FACILITY

We are pleased to announce a new assignment with a not-for-profit organization involved in seniors’ assisted living housing. From June through September, Principal Doug Fletcher will be working with the Board to select a new management organization structure and will be assisting with the transition of some key management functions. The organization has seen significant growth over the past few years and wisely appreciates the need to adapt to this new level of activity and to plan for the future. This is the fourth assignment Doug has conducted for this client over the last seven years.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE NEEDED.....REALLY?

When you are in the business of providing human capital at the executive level, one of the misperceptions you uncover over time is how little impact industry experience has as a factor in delivering results for clients in spite of its almost perpetual inclusion in job description criteria.

I would never argue the technical experience required in day to day operations. Nor would I argue the in-depth understanding of regulatory and compliance issues required in certain industries. Nor the merits in a family run company with leadership “growing up” in the business. And, industry experience in terms of spotting and taking advantage of trends is valuable.

However, a good leader who is surrounded by that company’s industry experience can depend on the management team to very quickly learn what industry information he or she needs to make the right executive-level call. With open and frank dialogue around the management table the experienced leader can be assimilated into the company’s operations in short order. Rapid business “assimilation” is a trait common to those with extensive experience at a senior level of responsibility. Qualities that make up good executive leadership are frequently transferable skills and a leader with good internal support can learn the company’s product quite quickly. But someone who knows the product cold from years in the industry can’t always be the good executive leader. One cannot “learn” leadership skills overnight.

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NEW MANDATE - IN THE LINE OF FIRE

We are pleased to announce that an Osborne team of executives will assist In the Line of Fire Inc. with growth strategies relative to finance, sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution.

In the Line of Fire develops, licenses and sells hard and soft body armour for first responders, police and military applications.

USE OLD SAWS AS THE TOOLS OF BUSINESS

When we sit in meetings there is a moment when someone uses one of the old saws below. As these are heard so often, they are usually ignored, but today we will consider their truth and try and throw in the odd business tip.

Another Day, Another Dollarlways be on the lookout for another dollar. It can be revenue. It can be cost savings. At the end of each day ask yourself "where did I make my dollar today?".

Low Hanging Fruit
Quick, easy and instantly rewarding defines low hanging fruit. For example, how about get your receivables in on time. Speaking of receivables, a quick phone call will bring better results than e-mails. Hard to do sometimes, but you need the personal touch.

Measure Twice, Cut Once
Obvious right! Then why don’t you do it? How many times do you look at an Excel spreadsheet prepared by someone else and it is wrong and the reason is obvious. Excel is fickle. Check your work, include checks and balances, and please remember Excel does not substitute for common sense and it has no gut feel for the numbers.

Assumption is the Mother of All (you complete the sentence)
Assumption is never worth the time you thought it saved. It is the lazy way out. Empiricism is the foundation of decisive action. You can never avoid the risks but do not build your own extra risks in by way of assumptions.


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