Showing posts with label Board Leadership Training Program. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Board Leadership Training Program. Show all posts
March 15, 2008
Leadership in the arts - Lessons from America: Generation Next?
I've written an article for Arts Professional Magazine UK, March 2008 edition, on the topic of Lessons from America: Generation Next? It can be found on this link, scroll to page 9. It takes a few moments to load.
December 23, 2007
Not Watching the English Countryside
Yesterday we took a train from London to Edinburgh. I love taking the train. The travel is so relaxed, space to spread out, beautiful views. Stephen even got us first class tickets. We were going to travel in style.
As we approached our seats I noticed something very frightening. Our windows was blocked. The other two seat occupants, in the four seat box, had placed a wrapped Christmas present - apparently a picture for their daughter - in front of the window. Let's be clear, this is a giant window and it was two thirds blocked by this giant picture. I lost it. How in the world could they be so selfish as to block the window on a 4.5 hour train journey. There are spaces behind the seats that could easily accommodate their picture.
Being American I was fuming to say, "could you please find a different location for that picture?" However, Stephen just ignored it and sat down to read. This was my clue that it is not British to say anything about this utter stupidity. For the first thirty minutes I huffed and puffed with anger. The man finally apologized and said that he was sorry about the picture but it was a gift for his daughter. I suggested that he put it behind the seat and he responded. "No, I don't think so."
I'm currently reading the book Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour by Kate Fox. It has helped me understand why the British do not say anything to folks who take the piss such as this couple. Even more helpful, it explains why people do these kinds of things. My interpretation is that it is a daft class thing. The couple thought, "We bought these seats and we get this window and we have this important piece of art to transports and at least we can see through the tiny cracks on each side. You, seat mates, have other windows through which you can gaze." Frankly, I wanted them to pay us 10% of our ticket fee for the loss of view.
At least for the final hour I was able to move to an adjacent empty seat. Now I understand why this is a drinking culture.
As we approached our seats I noticed something very frightening. Our windows was blocked. The other two seat occupants, in the four seat box, had placed a wrapped Christmas present - apparently a picture for their daughter - in front of the window. Let's be clear, this is a giant window and it was two thirds blocked by this giant picture. I lost it. How in the world could they be so selfish as to block the window on a 4.5 hour train journey. There are spaces behind the seats that could easily accommodate their picture.
Being American I was fuming to say, "could you please find a different location for that picture?" However, Stephen just ignored it and sat down to read. This was my clue that it is not British to say anything about this utter stupidity. For the first thirty minutes I huffed and puffed with anger. The man finally apologized and said that he was sorry about the picture but it was a gift for his daughter. I suggested that he put it behind the seat and he responded. "No, I don't think so."
I'm currently reading the book Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour by Kate Fox. It has helped me understand why the British do not say anything to folks who take the piss such as this couple. Even more helpful, it explains why people do these kinds of things. My interpretation is that it is a daft class thing. The couple thought, "We bought these seats and we get this window and we have this important piece of art to transports and at least we can see through the tiny cracks on each side. You, seat mates, have other windows through which you can gaze." Frankly, I wanted them to pay us 10% of our ticket fee for the loss of view.
At least for the final hour I was able to move to an adjacent empty seat. Now I understand why this is a drinking culture.
May 25, 2007
Leaving for Las Vegas
Tomorrow I depart for Las Vegas to attend the Americans for the Arts convention. For the start of the trip my mom is joining me to do a Thelma and Louise holiday, without the plunging ending. However, we are happy to pick up Brad Pitt if he needs a ride.
I will do my best to post but computer access may be limited. Leadership posts and convention reports on my other blog Career Goals: Take the Lead.
March 15, 2007
Open Up Those Golden Gates
Stephen and I head out to California today. It is his first visit in more than a year and I honestly can't remember when I was last there. Maybe it was last Summer when I presented the Busines Arts Council Board Leadership Training Program. So far it has been very easy to slip back into life in the States. California will be the final frontier.
February 26, 2006
Granted an Americans for the Arts Fellowship
We are at a critical juncture in the field of arts management as Baby Boomers consider retirement and GenXers are now Mid-Career. The transference of leadership and knowledge are confused by a generation gap that highlights the differences in management styles, career expectations and grasp of new technology - regardless of our shared vision for sustaining the arts.
I have been selected as a Fellow for Americans for the Arts to research the Mid-Career Leader perspective on this transition. Over the next several months I will be conducting focus groups and one-on-one interviews with Mid-Career Leaders so that I can articulate a situation analysis based on their aspirations and leadership development needs. My final report will include recommendations for how AFTA can support this delicate leadership transition in terms of programs and services for Mid-Career Leaders. Additionally, I hope to publish a paper that advances this vital discussion across the field.
The most significant article on this topic, my inspiration, is Leverage Lost written by John Kreidler. It is an essential read for anyone in the field of nonprofit arts management.
I have been selected as a Fellow for Americans for the Arts to research the Mid-Career Leader perspective on this transition. Over the next several months I will be conducting focus groups and one-on-one interviews with Mid-Career Leaders so that I can articulate a situation analysis based on their aspirations and leadership development needs. My final report will include recommendations for how AFTA can support this delicate leadership transition in terms of programs and services for Mid-Career Leaders. Additionally, I hope to publish a paper that advances this vital discussion across the field.
The most significant article on this topic, my inspiration, is Leverage Lost written by John Kreidler. It is an essential read for anyone in the field of nonprofit arts management.
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