Category: Governance & Leadership
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The Collective Brain
Previously I wrote that trust cannot replace judgement. Today I want to explore how judgement is formed collectively. Most boards are filled with capable, intelligent people. Yet even smart boards sometimes miss important risks, ask too few questions, or move too quickly to consensus. The reason is simple: no individual sees everything. Well-constructed boards strive…
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Trust Does Not Replace Judgement
Imagine a board meeting where everyone agrees that the Executive Director is competent, hardworking, and deeply committed to the organization. The reports are clear. Projects appear to be progressing. The organization is stable. There are no obvious warning signs. No significant risks have been identified for discussion. As a result, questions are few and predictable.…
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Why Good People Stay Silent in Groups
Most ethical failures don’t start with bad people.They start with pressure. A deadline.A budget.A deal that has to close.A meeting where “this isn’t the time” quietly means don’t be the problem. Silence rarely feels unethical in the moment. It feels practical. Sensible. Even responsible. And that’s why good people—competent, conscientious people—stay quiet in groups even…
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Trust Is Earned. Respect Is Borrowed. Know the Difference.
Leadership isn’t about getting people to snap to attention. It’s about being someone they can rely on — especially when it’s inconvenient for you. Respect may come with the title. Trust never does.
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Promoting From Within: Why Technical Excellence Doesn’t Equal Leadership Potential
Organizations love to “promote from within.” It feels fair. It rewards loyalty. And it seems efficient—why look outside when you have excellent people inside? There’s only one problem: being an outstanding performer in a technical role does not automatically mean someone is ready to lead people. Yet many organizations act as if management is simply…
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The Problem Isn’t the Politics — It’s the Performance
We blame the media for the noise, but the real issue is the performance we demand.
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The Role of a Constructive Critic in Governance
I had the pleasure, some years ago, of attending a social gathering at Queen’s Park in Toronto. At some point I was introduced to someone and in a whispered aside was told – he is the (portfolio) critic. I shook his hand and said, “that’s the job I want.” He didn’t think it was funny…
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Silencing The Contrary Voice
I am very concerned about our collective inability to hear a contrary voice. I have long advocated for people to speak up; to make their voice heard. And now, apparently, a voice raised is an invitation to shut it down; to shout it out. A Students’ Union recently decided to dis-invite controversial speaker Frances Widdowson…
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It doesn’t matter
It doesn’t matter whether anyone listens. It matters that you say it.
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April 21, 2020 – The Economy
Today’s news – oil is trading at negative numbers. Not even sure how that happens. Reporter’s analogy – it’s like Starbucks made too much coffee and they are paying you to take it away. Sure. What this shows, is how fragile are the truths of Capitalism – the lies we have told ourselves. Basic premise…
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