Wednesday 10 April 2019

Who Are Your "Core"?

In any organisation, be it government, business or voluntary, experience suggests that there are three types.

Type one is those people who are unconditionally dedicated to the objectives and advancement of the organisation.  These are the ones who always come to meetings, events, committee and generally “make things work”.  They are “the core”.

The second is those who turn up regularly to meetings, contribute ideas, but don’t take on anything (unless specifically requested).  They turn up but aren’t likely to volunteer (this is left to the core).  

The third type are the “peripherals”.  For whatever reason they can’t, don’t or won’t contribute anything more than the bare minimum.  Whilst the first group will often go above and beyond the call of duty and the second can usually be relied on to get things done if asked specifically, the third tends to leave things to the others whom they know will always pick up the proverbial slack.  They usually make sure they appear in any photo opportunities though…

With peripherals, I’ve found that the important thing is to understand where they’re coming from. Some genuinely want to help, but have equally genuine reasons why their support must necessarily be limited. Once we know this, we can work with it. They’re capable of being there when really needed.

For those who don’t/won’t carry their weight, the question is why?  Is there a political/personality conflict?  Sometimes a full and frank discussion is needed to understand their perspective and identify where they can contribute meaningfully.  At others (particularly in voluntary organisations) it may simply be we’re “stuck” with these people – they may have “useful contacts”, or some other important arttribute.  The only solution is either to await some “natural event” that precipitates their departure or (if possible) “engineer” one.

Have you identified your “1s, 2s and 3s”?


I have spent more than half my life delivering change in different world markets from the most developed to “emerging” economies. With more than 20 years in international financial services around the world running different operations and lending businesses, I started my own Consultancy to provide solutions for improving performance, productivity and risk management.  I work with individuals, small businesses, charities, quoted companies and academic institutions across the world. An international speaker, trainer, author and fund-raiser, I can be contacted by email. My websiteprovides a full picture of my portfolio of services.  For strategic questions that you should be asking yourself, follow me at @wkm610.

Labels: , ,

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home