What might a book about the Iraq war, written by a US General have that’s relevant to the charity sector? Ten years ago I read the book “Team of Teams”. It made a big impression on me and ten years on I still think about it often.

I valued the insights about the role of a leader in a complex situation where decentralised decision making is essential for success and what it takes to build a team of teams.

 What will it take for us to create a team of teams in in the face of today’s complex challenges?

When I talk to people about governance they often assume I am talking about policies and committee structures. Of course, these are important, but there is more to governance than that.

 Boards need to know that the right policies are in place (and being implemented). They need assurance that regulatory requirements are being met. They need a structure that will deliver this. Beyond this there is a lot more required for good governance.