Action Planning is a charity consultancy that has just celebrated 30 years of operation. Over the period it has changed style of operation and currently operates in a federated model with a network of 150+ associates – all of whom are experienced practitioners. Recently they have undertaken a survey of Chief Executive Officers – with one question asking for a “top tip” to be shared with others.  

The top tips can be found here Action Planning’s Three Minute S urvey | Insights | Action Planning 

Many of the comments revolve around health and well being – for both the staff team and the CEO. In many ways this is obvious but the longer that we operate in crisis mode the greater the danger of forgetting this.  

Possibly the one that struck me the most was “focus on your core mission and cut out the fluff!” This is difficult as we all work in a sector that tries to do as much as it can and then, invariably, endeavours to do more. As we move towards 2021 we need to look at what we need to do and then to do it well. If this means shedding some of the “want to do” activities, we use our networks to minimise the impact when we do so. Interestingly this same message, of sticking to core activities, appeared in a business strategy seminar VSNW attended in Nov 2020.  

We are not aware of a mechanism which looks like a sector business broking service, in which those needing to shed “want to do” activities can be connected with those who could take them on.

If you think that there may be a market for such a service please email, in confidence, Andrew.rainsford@vsnw.org.uk