A Leader's Note to the Future

July 20, 2010

Posted in Management.

In the late 1990s, the board of directors of a summer camp sold half of its land – 45 acres with a private pond and recently constructed cabins – for about $45,000. They did this to pay an expense they knew was coming. They should have planned for it, right? They could have found the money elsewhere instead of selling a significant asset for such little money, right?

What will leaders in the years 2020, 2050, or 2100 think? Will they question my actions? Will they criticize our leadership?

Since getting involved with non-profit organizations, I often find myself coming across decisions made by previous boards and executives. From my perspective in 2010, it’s easy to question the rationale behind these moves. And with an organization of any age, there are a lot of moves to question.

From land sales to mergers to program closings, I’m sure past leaders had reasons for their actions. I’m sure they were doing the best they could, and believed they were acting in the organization’s best interest.

What will leaders in the years 2020, 2050, or 2100 think? Will they question my actions? Will they criticize our leadership?

To help our future leaders understand why we made our decisions, I’m making sure to document everything. Board meeting minutes include notes on discussion and rationale. Hard decisions have reports, data, and other background attached so that those who take over for us may better understand how they got there.

If nothing else, I hope that they can learn from my mistakes just as I’m learning from those of our past leaders.

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