Nonprofit Mission: Impact The Nonprofit board's duty of foresight with Jeff De Cagna
In episode 102 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Jeff De Cagna discuss the concept of the "duty of foresight," stressing the need for boards to prepare for future challenges. They critique traditional leadership paradigms and promote stewardship as a more inclusive and effective approach. The conversation covers various topics, including the evolution from VUCA to BANI and the need to challenge orthodox beliefs to create resilient and forward-thinking organizations.
Episode highlights:
Duty of Foresight
[00:07:00] - [00:010:00]
- the concept of the "duty of foresight."
- the importance of boards anticipating future challenges and preparing accordingly.
Evolution from VUCA to BANI
[00:14:00] - [00:17:30]
- the shift from VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) to BANI (brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible).
Challenging Orthodox Beliefs
[00:19:00] - [00:24:00]
-The need for nonprofit leaders to question and confront orthodox beliefs.
- examples of outdated beliefs and suggests alternative approaches to foster innovation and resilience.
Leadership vs. Stewardship
[00:30:00] - [00:37:00]
- Critique of traditional leadership models, arguing that they often emphasize winning and greatness in unproductive ways.
- Stewardship as a more collaborative and sustainable approach to governance.
Preparing for Future Challenges
[00:37:00] - [00:23:00]
-
the importance of collective responsibility on nonprofit boards and shared vulnerability in addressing complex issues.
Guest Bio:
Jeff De Cagna FRSA FASAE, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC in Reston, Virginia is an association contrarian, foresight practitioner, governing designer, stakeholder/successor advocate, and stewardship catalyst. In August 2019, Jeff became the 32nd recipient of ASAE's Academy of Leaders Award, the association's highest individual honor given to consultants or industry partners in recognition of their support of ASAE and the association community.
Important Links and Resources:
VUCA https://www.mindtools.com/asnydwg/managing-in-a-vuca-world
Reasons to be cheerful newsletter: https://reasonstobecheerful.world/
Threatening Thirties series:
https://www.naylor.com/associationadviser/the-threatening-thirties-part-i/
https://www.naylor.com/associationadviser/the-threatening-thirties-part-ii/
https://www.naylor.com/associationadviser/the-threatening-thirties-part-iii/
Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture: https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/characteristics.html
Related Episodes:
Episode 15: The Nonprofit Executive Director-Board Chair relationship
Episode 42: Building shared governance
Episode 55: Helping nonprofit boards move toward greater equity
Episode 61: Impactful nonprofit boards
Episode 97: The business imperative of facing climate change
Episode 99: Elevating nonprofit governance
Be in Touch:
✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting
💻 Give us feedback on the show
📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact
👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend
🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review.
😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn