The Common Share

In this episode, Audra, Kyle, and Aasa tackle what happens when things get contentious on a board. We discuss the kinds of conflict that boards of directors may have to deal with, and whether or not conflict is always a negative thing.We also talk about strategies for mitigating conflict in board situations, some ‘noinky’ information on the procedures around dealing with conflict, and things to avoid when problems arise. Links referred to in this episode:Stocksy United: https://www.stocksy.com/https://cooperativesfirst.com/blog/2017/06/23/2017622elevating-an-industry-the-stocksy-united-story/The Co-operative Innovation Project: https://coopinnovation.wordpress.com/Want to avoid board conflict? Check out how Co-operative’s First can help with our Thrive Services: https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/thrive/

We dive right into the discussion of working vs policy boards with a controversial question: Why do working boards suck?Being on a working board – where most of the work of an organization is done by the board rather than a manager or executive director – can be taxing and stressful. However, it can also allow you to be involved in the creation of something cool and rewarding. Is it worth it? On the other hand, are policy boards – where the board simply provides guidance to the management – the ideal?Audra, Kyle, and Aasa have a frank discussion in this episode about what’s involved in being a member of one of these hard-working groups. (Warning! This episode contains some strong language)

This episode kicks off our four-part series on co-operative governance with Co-operatives First’s Executive Director Audra Krueger. Kyle, Aasa, and Audra talk about why people join co-op boards, how to find good board members, and why board governance is about more than a love of bylaws and egg salad sandwiches – though those may be the best parts. Links to topics mentioned in this episode: MEC governance policies: https://words.usask.ca/thinkingaboutcoops/2017/04/25/governance-changes-at-mec-should-other-co-ops-take-note/ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/mec-governance-changes-sparks-dissent-among-long-time-loyalists/article26852082/ Good Governance Matters course: https://cooperativesfirst.com/governance/

In this episode, Kyle and Aasa from Co-operatives First talk to Paul Thompson, Research Officer at the University of Saskatchewan’s Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, and creator of the Good Governance Matters course. We talk about the actors involved in governance, some of the challenges involved in getting governance right, and why governance is like steering a ship…and also like marriage. Links referred to in this episode: Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, University of Saskatchewan: http://usaskstudies.coop/index.php Good Governance Matters course: https://www.canvas.net/browse/saskatchewan/courses/governance-in-cooperatives?platform=hootsuite The Failure of Co-op Atlantic: https://www.grocer.coop/sites/default/files/article_files/183_-_failure_of_co-op_atlantic_0.pdf The Two-Hat Problem: https://words.usask.ca/thinkingaboutcoops/2017/01/24/the-two-hat-problem/

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Common Share, a podcast about the opportunities and challenges of developing co-operative businesses. The Common Share is produced by Co-operatives First, a business development firm increasing awareness and understanding of the co-op business model and supporting co-operative business development in rural and Indigenous communities across western Canada.In this episode, we interview Kyle White, Education and Engagement Lead for Co-operatives First, to discuss the purpose of the podcast, what his role is in the organization and why the organization exists in the first place. To learn more about us, visit cooperativesfirst.com