New Resource: Starting Off Right with Your New General Manager
Online Recorded Workshop This is a thorough introduction to developing a good working relationship as a board with the co-op’s new general manager. The objective of the workshop is to show how to integrate a [...]
Great Idea: Process for Replacing a Board Member
There’s always the possibility of a vacancy on the board, and sometimes it’s a planned event, and at other times it’s unexpected. In either case, it’s important to have a backup plan or a process [...]
4 ways to manage your staff better
“Why can’t I get my people to do what they’re supposed to?” “Why do I have to tell my team everything they need to do?” Everywhere we consult, we hear these pleas from exasperated, overwhelmed [...]
Open Book Management: Emerging lessons in the food co-op world
By Jeanie Wells 168 September-October 2013 Has your co-op considered Open Book Management? Chances are that even if you haven’t implemented it but have attended a food co-op conference in the past three years, you [...]
Featured Video: Doug Hoffer—Why Grow Co-ops
Ever wonder how an economist would coach you to talk about growing your co-op? Now’s your chance! In this five-minute video=, Doug Hoffer, economic researcher and the State Auditor of Vermont, does a quick download [...]
Strategic Alignment of Board and Co-op Owners
When we examine the process of alignment and how it works, it seems straightforward. For example, board and management come together for learning and discussion about the future of the co-op and share an agreed-upon [...]
Featured Video: Bonnie Hudspeth—Engagement from the Grassroots
In this 13-minute video Bonnie Hudspeth shares some key strategies in launching the community participation efforts at the startup Monadnock Food Co-op and how those ideas relate to all our co-ops. Hudspeth, a startup champion [...]
New Resource: Board Discipline Field Guide
By Thane Joyal Boards of retail food cooperatives need to put the co-op first when it comes to evaluating the performance of board members. A board cannot be successful if individual board members are working [...]
How strong is your leadership team?
Empowering your department heads and helping them work together results in happier, more supported employees overall. In any business, the leadership team creates the support network for accomplishing day-to-day tasks. This frees leaders to create [...]