Refinery Arts Group’s Post

Can love be pragmatic? The Ancient Greeks thought so. Discover how this form of the "six loves" can revolutionize business relationships, strategies, and culture. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eF6yvpqy From enhancing team dynamics to fostering long-term client relationships, pragma love—rooted in commitment, understanding, and patience—can be a game-changer. Learn how integrating these principles can lead to sustainable success and a more human-centric approach to business. #BusinessTransformation #Leadership #Plato #PragmaLove #BusinessStrategy #TeamDynamics #ClientRelationships #TimelessWisdom #ANTCreative #Marketing #Culture

“If company culture is strong, the people are, and if the people are strong, the organization is.” This quote from Alex Sarian’s book, The Audacity of Relevance, made me shout in agreement. It’s such a simple yet profound statement—one that’s often overlooked in the arts industry as organizations scramble to put out fires (e.g., “How do we augment ticket sales?” or “How do we reach young people?”). Sarian’s insight reminds us that the bigger, foundational question must be addressed first: How do we create a strong culture that fosters community, belonging, and the feeling of being “at home”? When we have that, everything else follows—we give, we go, we share, and we bring others along. For arts organizations, fertilizing from the inside ensures we are watered from the outside. 🌱 I’m excited to uncover more as I continue reading. If you’ve read this book or have thoughts on this approach to leadership, I’d love to hear them! https://lnkd.in/d2eYhHHY #Leadership #CompanyCulture #ArtsAdmin #artsmanagement #business #GrowthMindset

Are you searching for a way to connect and deepen your relationships as an Executive Director or Manager? Consider Propel Nonprofits' Leaders Circles as a way to feel less alone in your work and connect with others. Check them out today!

The Great Institutional Creak: Are We Entering a New Leadership Era? As institutions worldwide show increasing strain, from the UN's struggle with global conflicts to the NHS buckling under pressure, one thing is becoming clear: we're witnessing more than just another political cycle. We're entering a new leadership era. For decades, we've lived in what I call the 'Preserver Era'. Post-World War II, we built magnificent institutions designed to maintain peace and stability. These frameworks served us well, creating unprecedented prosperity. But something has shifted. These systems are now creaking under the weight of modern challenges. The shocking Post Office scandal reveals how institutions can become more focused on self-preservation than their original purpose. The problem isn't simply lack of funding - it's a failure of leadership imagination. Do you want to explore what this means for your leadership journey? Or if you want to stride into 2025 I have the first Breathe: Walk and Talk on 4th January in the foothills of the Cheviots (30 mins from Berwick station) where we'll be out in the wide open space, discussing this shifting landscape and New Era Leadership while connecting with nature and like-minded leaders. https://lnkd.in/eUYSeyMF

I have been re-reading and reflecting on an excellent, short essay by Charles Wookey about #Purpose #Culture #Character I highly recommend.

How Social Impact World Is Building A Global Network Of Corporate Changemakers In the world of social impact, where corporate responsibility intersects with purposeful leadership, Jeremy Brown has forged a unique path. The founder of Social Impact World, Brown’s journey began with a vision to bring together those who champion corporate social impact. Find out more about his journey, insights, and the story of building a thriving global community for social impact professionals in the link in the comments below. #ConspiracyOfLove #SocialImpact #MakeNoSmallPlans

#LetsTalkAbout #TeamMotivation As leaders of volunteers, keeping teams motivated and energized can be a challenge. How do you keep your volunteers inspired, focused, and excited about their work? Do you introduce new projects, offer training, or find creative ways to recognize their contributions? What strategies have worked best for re-energizing your team and ensuring they stay connected to your mission? Let’s share ideas on how to keep volunteer teams feeling valued, supported, and engaged! #TacoTuesday #VolunteerEngagement

Do you struggle to ask for help? Here are three actionable tips inspired by Wayne Baker's Harvard Business Review article to help you ask for assistance more effectively: 1. Give first to earn the right to ask. Build a reputation as someone who helps others. When you’re generous, people are naturally more inclined to assist you in return. Reciprocity is powerful and often hardwired into human nature. 2. Be SMART with your requests. Craft your ask to be Specific, Meaningful, Action-oriented, Real, and Time-bound. A clear, well-framed request is easier to fulfil than a vague or open-ended one. 3. Don’t assume you know who can help. You never know the knowledge, skills, or networks others have until you ask. By reaching out, you might uncover unexpected solutions, connections, or resources. Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a leadership skill that creates stronger teams and organisations. Check out the full article: 5 Ways to Get Better at Asking for Help. https://lnkd.in/enTMwtzj #theceocoach #businesscoaching #mentorshipmatters

You know that feeling when you leave an event thinking, “I get it, but I still don't know how to make it happen?” 😠 🎯 Let's change that. I’m all about sharing - especially when it comes to ideas, insights, and experiences that help us tackle common challenges. Why keep the good stuff to ourselves, right? 👀 That’s why I’ve teamed up with Ben Chambers and the fabulous Talent and Leadership Club* to host an event where we’ll dig deep into 2025 Learning Strategies and focus on what will actually impact your work. Come along - let’s make this the event where the “how” gets answered. https://lnkd.in/eTGipmBv *If you're not part of the community, you're missing out. Get involved.

Leadership is about steady vision. Especially in times of uncertainty. When we’re unsettled, it’s a powerful time to ask ourselves: What are we committed to staying the same? For nonprofit leaders, it’s easy to feel the weight of uncertainty around us.  Funding landscapes, external pressures, and shifting priorities pull us in every direction. Yet, in the midst of it all, your vision—your true north—doesn’t waver. Tomorrow is unknown. But your vision for what your organization can do for the world? That’s your constant. 🦋 What’s one part of your vision that stays unshakable, no matter what?