GovernBest

I’m trying to build an inventory of “defining moments in governance” beyond my personal experience: might come from either side of the board table in corporate or non-profit settings. Vintage moment: early Starbucks executives reported proudly to directors that they were dismissing customer requests for special flavors in keeping with their commitment to “pure and natural”. Board comment…”to hell with what the customer wants? Are you #%*!@*## nuts!?” My experience is that just as many go the other way; some are truly “defining” but pass unnoticed; and, of course, many come from the CEO side of the table. Love to hear from you; attribution your call

Welcome to the Governbest blog!

This space will be used to reflect on matters of interest from both sides of the governance table.  The intended audience is all who are involved in leading or guiding corporate, association or non-profit boards in the discernment and pursuit of missions relevant to their respective constituents.  By governance, we mean matters of identity, destiny and fundamental method…the questions that constitute the right struggles between directors and executive leadershim; the few answers that, when clear and appropriate, clear the way for thousands of downstream decisions.  Material will come from the experience of contributors, current events that bear on governance matters and other published materials on governing.  Sign in, read up and “write on…“

The Aspen Institute reports that the non profit sector grew 54% in revenues between 1995 and 2005…a period when GDP growth was 34%. That’s a rise in revenues of nearly 160% of the GDP…governmental sources, charitable contributions, fees or charges and other earned income. So here we are in what looks a lot like 1929; and all sources of funds are under duress. Makes me wonder if the decline is likely to be as comparatively more robust than the climb, and in any event, what kind of “demand bid” this places on the sector’s leadership. Any thoughts? I have some but hey…this is a conversation, right?