If there is one radio show guaranteed to make me change channels, it’s the Jeremy Vine Show on Radio 2. Not because I have anything against Jeremy, it’s because, generally, the views of the public aired in response to the issues raised infuriate me. A couple of days ago, Jeremy conducted an excellent interview with a BBC correspondent about the Afghanistan non-election – a well informed, concise, detailed explanation of the issues. This was then ruined (for me) by uninformed points of view that added little or nothing.

Much has been written about the “demise” of the Birmingham Post, and the genuine concern at what will happen to the journalists who are losing their jobs. I sincerely hope that those skilled at writing will find new employment, albeit in a different market. I would far rather read, or listen, to someone who knows their subject and can present it well, than someone who writes and broadcasts just because they can.

The proliferation of Blogs, and the ability for anyone to write when, and on whatever subject they choose, has been cited as the end of quality reporting. I would disagree. I have more faith in readers and listeners exercising their choice to read and listen to what they like, and to switch off what they don’t like.

I also believe that there is a duty for those who know what is going on to share their knowledge and expertise.

I have been wondering what I could “give away” to give you an idea of the kind of support I give to businesses.

The first thing that occurred to me was a simple excel spreadsheet that shows how the P&L links to the Balance Sheet, which links to the Cashflow, which links to the P&L. You get the idea – its a neat pro-forma.

Then there is my list of the various kinds of accountants that businesses use – there are more than you might immediately think. This is helpful because you need someone to look after all aspects of your business’s accounts and it’s easy to overlook something…

Then I have a list of accounting software packages I know, either through using them, or reviewing them, or simply on recommendation – handy when discussing potential changes.

I have a great contacts database, but that’s worth a little too much to just give away…

I keep wondering about a FAQ page for my website. Is there an accounts question you always wanted to know the answer to?

So at the moment I haven’t got anything to give away. Should I have something? Is what I do too intangible? Does a freebie make a website more attractive? What would you like?

Change is happening, but are we aware of how fast life around us is changing? And is someone in control of change any more, or has Pandora’s Box been opened and no-one knows how to close it?

Interesting post here with a sobering message.:

http://www.tom-watson.co.uk/2008/12/a-goodbye-to-woolworths/

Who is willing to take action?

Just had a great discussion about leadership, and the importance of the balance of power that exists between the CEO and Chair (or the equivalent roles in your organisation).

Bad balance:
Strong Chair and a weak CEO
Weak Chair and a strong CEO
Good balance:
Strong Chair and a strong CEO
Weak Chair and a weak CEO. 

This last combination seems odd, but it does work, perhaps the organisation isn’t as dynamic as it could be, but the leadership team will probably be compatible.

Problematic issues tend only to arise in the former combinations, when strong, charismatic characters tread on the toes of their counterpart. This leads to inappropriate intervention and, at worst, a breakdown of trust and effectiveness.

What combination of leadership do you have?