Wildfoote: A Leadership Journey

Small vs. Big

Many of us are schizophrenic.  We like the services, products, and opportunities afforded by Big stores (lots of products), banks (lots of ATMs), churches (lots of programs), etc.  But we like the feel of the Small, niche, “mom and pop” organizations and businesses.  It seems they take time to know us and are responsive to our needs.

Security

Much has been made in recent days about the "pay to play" politics that has allegedly been part of the administration of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, including putting up the Senate seat of President-elect Obama to the highest bidder.  Conversations of the governor, taken from federal wiretaps, seem to present convincing evidence.  Time will tell the complete story.

In the midst of the media hype surrounding this situation, I came across the following proverb:

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.  Proverbs 10:9 (TNIV)

I am reminded that if we as leaders make the right decisions or choices up front, we will not have to always be looking over our shoulder.  We can walk with confidence, with purpose, without fear.  Hence, the security.

Don't Panic

With much of my leadership experience having taken place in the not-for- profit world, I have been giving lots of thought as to how not- for- profit organizations should be responding to the current economic challenges that our country and the world is facing.  How one leads during this time will have many ramifications…both in the not-for-profit and for profit world. 

So here are my first two thoughts.