Although, at some point, or another, nearly, every organization faces certain obstacles, how the leadership, at that point, responds, or fails to, often, differentiates the most sustainable groups, from the rest – of – the – pack! After, over four decades of personal, and professional involvement, in, nearly, all aspects and essentials for effectively, leading, from identifying and qualifying, to training, developing, and consulting to thousands of actual, and/ or, potential leaders, as well as served as a leader, on several occasions, I feel strongly, a real leader, must be ready, willing, and able, as well as committed, and possess the necessary degree of discipline, to avoid the temptation to consider, merely, the existing issues, while, avoiding, considering, how their actions, might, affect, the future of the group! Quality leaders avoid the so – called, quick – fix, or populist option,. or simply, choosing the path, of least resistance. Rather, it is important to proceed, with keen attention paid, to both, relevant, and sustainable, strategies, and actions! With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 4 keys, every wise decision must consider, and take advantage – of.
1. Start with zero – based budget: The reality, often, is, even the greatest strategies, and approaches, taken and used, in the past, may require, a tweak, because, times, and circumstances, evolve! Too many times, leaders use budgets, simply, as a time – waster, where they, use the same – old, ways, over, and over, again! Rather, it is wise, to replace that approach, with using zero – based, budgets, at least, every five years, or – so! That approach uses the concept, every line item, should be considered, and evaluated, and, groups should determine, how well, their expenditures, are handled!
2. Bang – for – the – buck/ spending/ expenditures, etc: True leaders must seek to bring – about, the best – bang – for – the – buck! This means, seeking better, wiser ways, to spend money, and choosing the best options, going forward, realizing, what a group does today, often, has sustainable, ramifications, into the future!
3. Don’t depend on gimmicks/ tricks/ one – time measures: Often, some well – meaning individual, urges a group’s past, and present leadership, to make a one – time, larger financial donation, to address some short – fall! While, this may address short – term needs, it is a one – time, measure, and/ or, a financial gimmick/ trick, at – best, and, unfortunately, by doing so, the organization, may be delaying necessary, strategic planning, and a viable, action plan, in a well – considered, timely manner!
4. Consider immediate, intermediate, and longer – term: All planning should consider immediate, intermediate, and longer – term, ramifications, instead of merely, taking a knee – jerk, reaction! While, doing so, may require, far – more effort, commitment, etc, if a group, wishes to survive, and be meaningful, in the future, it is necessary!
Although, some like to be popular, a true leader realizes, he must examine, understand, and enhance, the organization’s financial health, now, and in the longer – run! Are you, up to, the tasks and responsibilities of leading?