Video Field Guide: Introduction to the Four Pillars
Succinct introduction to the Four Pillars of Cooperative Governance: Teaming, Accountable Empowerment, Democracy and Strategic Leadership, and how these concepts strengthen co-ops and communities. This video is a fantastic resource for board training and team-building sessions.
Orienting New Directors
An effective orientation for new directors can help your board quickly integrate and benefit from the contributions of its newest members – shortening and decreasing the intensity of the naturally occurring “storming” phase that occurs when integrating new members into your team. While there will still be plenty of “on the job” learning during the first several board meetings, a good orientation process can [...]
Video Field Guide: Four Pillars – Creating Impact
Tips to intensify board and organizational impact and how to achieve it.
Video Field Guide: Four Pillars – Strategic Leadership
In a world where smart, fast, moves are a marketplace necessity, strategic leadership creates shared agreement regarding the future vision.
Protecting People and Assets: Implementing a Security Plan
If there’s one thing retailers know, it’s that they have to expect surprises and mishaps as a matter of course in business. Many things can go wrong in a flash, and unfortunately, are not that unusual: power outages, organized shoplifting, workplace injury. The safety and security of the store’s physical infrastructure, as [...]
Cooperative Communication Conundrums: Exploring paths to alignment and healing when a cooperative encounters controversy
By Thane Joyal 179 July-August 2015 To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives... The future is an indefinite succession of presents, and to live [...]
Reaching the Co-op’s Owners
By Patricia Cumbie 179 July-August 2015 Food cooperatives have a special relationship with their owners and customers, but even the best relationships need to be continually nurtured and cultivated. In a rapidly changing marketplace, one in which skillful competitors can outstrip other grocers on price, convenience, and amenities, customer loyalty is king. And consumers these days are notoriously fickle. A generation ago, people [...]