LEADer Issues and Topics
19
Spring
Can We Be Agile?
This Issue: Can We Be Agile?
The International Year of Cooperatives is now past. Co-ops now have an opportunity to show what a superior economic model and alternative they offer. To do so, we need agile, dynamic, and successful co-op businesses. In this issue we share some recent research about the need for co-ops to address a key weakness - business agility - and some thoughts on what this can mean for food co-ops.
18
Winter
Be Ready for Those Growth Opportunities!
Building a culture of growth. Five stories and lessons learned from co-ops’ experiences with growth: Community Food Co-op of Bozeman; La Montanita of Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Gallup; Sacramento Co-op; Great Basin Community Food Co-op; and First Alternative of Corvallis. And then three sets of questions to help your board envision a future for your co-op.
17
Fall
Power for the co-op and its leaders
How do boards balance the power of their position and the need to be decisive and take action, with a deep commitment to co-op values? We offer thoughts and discussion questions on what power means, where power resides, and how your board embraces its power in a healthy, productive manner.
16
Summer
Grow that co-op!
Why is growth important for your co-op? Food for thought and questions to discuss as your board considers deciding what your co-op’s growth strategy is.
15
Spring
Why co-op, after all?
Why are our stores structured as co-ops? Is this structure still important? Relevant? An asset to our organizations?
14
Winter
The role and potential of board committees
The role and potential of board committees
13
Fall
Dealing with a crisis
Build agreements in advance so you’re prepared when a crisis hits
12
Summer
Strategic thinking
Thinking strategically and specifically looking at co-op demographic trends
10
Winter
Monitoring financials
Understanding financials and the 8 key indicators for boards to monitor
9
Fall
Board orientation
Orientation for new directors and for building board cohesion on an ongoing basis
8
Summer
Enhancing board effectiveness: 2
What is board culture and how does it contribute to effectiveness
7
Spring
Enhancing board effectiveness: 1
Assessing board effectiveness and systems to support improvements
5
Fall
Member linkage
A deeper look at member linkage and our first issue to offer a “study guide” to help guide board discussions and further study
4
Summer
Board decision making
Options and tips for helping board clarify who decides and how to make decisions productively
3
Spring
Board leadership
Thoughts and suggestions on how boards can provide leadership and live up to key principles of good leadership
1
Fall
Member linkage
How can boards better fulfill their responsibility to “link” with members?