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E-Newsletter -- March, 2005
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In This Issue:
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In Praise of Strategy and Tactics |
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The Imus Ranch and Media Scrutiny |
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'Style Matters' Workshop Draws Record Attendance |
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US Senate Prepares for Nonprofit Regulation Hearings |
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Please Share With a Colleague! |
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Featured Links:
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In Praise of Strategy and Tactics
It seems like everything we read these days exhorts us to be "strategic" in how we live, work, invest, drive our cars, and, it seems, take out the garbage. Any word that can be used can be overused, and strategic has become one such word.
If you want to start an argument among experts, ask about their preferred terminology to describe what should be done and how it should be accomplished. You'll hear a bewildering array of terms as well as condemnation of terms. One consultant I know and respect has gone so far as to avoid any such labels, out of fear that her clients would be intimidated or distracted from their work.
The US Air Force once had both a Strategic Air Command (SAC) and a Tactical Air Command (TAC). SAC commanded the nuclear-capable long-range bombers that could project American power anywhere in the world in the event of a Soviet nuclear threat. TAC was responsible for "theater-specific" support of battlefield objectives.
Now, the US Air Force has neither SAC nor TAC. The two commands became confused as technology changed and the nature of warfare changed. The Air Force also learned that strategy and tactics can't be easily separated from each other. Some tactics are inherently “strategic”; i.e, they are designed to lead to a larger purpose. Also, what constitutes a “strategy” can easily be changed or reinterpreted based on changing circumstances and needs.
In our personal and professional lives, tactics (what we do every day) may or may not be "strategic." Tactics may or may not contribute to a larger strategy or goal we are seeking to attain. For example, I may exercise to achieve specific fitness goals, or I may do it simply because someone expects it of me. Regardless of the reason and the intent, the activity itself is a tactic, not a strategy. It’s a means to an end, it’s not an end in itself.
Don’t be afraid to be tactical in your approach to problems or situations. Whenever possible, your tactics should be directed toward achieving your strategic goals. That means, of course, knowing where you want to go and having a reasonable idea of what it will take to get you there -- strategic planning.
Give yourself permission to be tactical -- don’t assume you always have to be “strategic” in how you empty the garbage. Don’t give yourself -- or allow others to assume -- a false sense of security by overusing the term “strategic” when speaking of small-scale efforts that may -- or may not -- be helping you and your organization move forward.
The Imus Ranch and Media Scrutiny
You use your national stature and media access to raise $100 million for charity, including over $20 million for a charity that bears your name. You and your wife donate your time and services to manage the charity, serve children, and continue fund raising efforts, all without pay. In addition, you give more than $1 million of your own money to support the charity.
That’s not good enough, according to The Wall Street Journal. You've made two key mistakes that will haunt you and your charity, even though you're not a crook and you're trying to do the right thing.
Welcome to the new world of charitable accountability.
'Style Matters' Workshop Draws Record Attendance
Margaret Sumption was asked by the Sioux Falls (SD)Chamber of Commerce and the US Small Business Administration (SBA) to present a one-hour lunchtime workshop on interpersonal styles and their impact on communication, leadership, and workplace effectiveness.
Both Margaret and the Chamber of Commerce were astounded when attendance was 20% higher than for any other lunchtime workshop ever presented by the Chamber and SBA!
Participants used the Gregoric Styles indicator instrument to assess their own style and learn about other styles. They then participated in a short small-group activity that demonstrated why working in groups with everyone just like you often isn't very effective. Participants left the session with palm cards and handouts with reminders and tools to use in their offices and organization sto help them be more effective and get more out of their colleagues and co-workers.
Please contact Margaret Sumption at Sumption & Wyland for information on this workshop or on how these techniques can help you and your organization.
US Senate Prepares for Nonprofit Regulation Hearings
The US Senate Finance Committee will hold hearings on April 5 to address abuses of charitable status, charitable deduction practices, and potential new regulation of charities. Next month, we'll report on how much (or how little) was accomplished and what the likely next steps will be.
In the meantime, Independent Sector's "Panel on the Nonprofit Sector" has released its interim report. The report is being criticized for being too lenient on charities and too focused on charity self-regulation, despite stated attempts by the Panel to provide meaningful reforms to avoid being deemed "irrelevant" in any upcoming legislation-drafting.
Please Share With a Colleague!
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