2. Must Reads

Must Reads

“When turmoil rules, go in.” — Lao Tzu

There is so much to read, so much to know, so many sources to follow. And the volume of news and information just keeps growing exponentially. How to keep up? Even more, how to rediscover the serendipity of learning something new and interesting for its own sake?

Here, for your enjoyment and interest, are the articles Temin and Company considers “must reads.” They are primarily on the topics of reputation and crisis management, the media, leadership and strategy, perception and psychology, self-presentation, science, girls and women, organizational behavior and other articles of interest.

They are listed below with the most recent articles first, and to the side, by category.

We hope you enjoy them and would appreciate your comments. And whenever you have any favorite articles for us to add, please let us know so that we might include them for other readers to enjoy.

There is so much to read, so much to know, so many sources to follow. And the volume of news and information just keeps growing exponentially. How to keep up? Even more, how to rediscover the serendipity of learning something new and interesting for its own sake?

Here, for your enjoyment and interest, are the articles Temin and Company considers “must reads.” They are primarily on the topics of reputation and crisis management, the media, leadership and strategy, perception and psychology, self-presentation, science, girls and women, organizational behavior and other articles of interest.

They are listed below with the most recent articles first, and to the side, by category.

We hope you enjoy them and would appreciate your comments. And whenever you have any favorite articles for us to add, please let us know so that we might include them for other readers to enjoy.

When in Crisis, What Should Boards Do?

Rob Meiksins, Nonprofit Quarterly, October 9, 2014

In recent weeks and months, there have been a series of crises in organizations ranging from data breaches at Target, Michaels, and Chase to the sexual abuse scandals at Penn State and domestic violence in the NFL. In many of these cases, although the boards of directors were not blamed directly, they often came under fire for not having paid close enough attention to see the crises coming or for reacting too slowly. It is no surprise, then, articles have begun to appear addressing how a board should act before, during and after a crisis.

Forbes’ online news outlet has published a list of 10 things boards should do, authored by contributor Davia Temin, who is listed as a leadership and crisis expert. Although her comments address for-profit corporations for the most part, the lessons can also be applied to nonprofit organizations. […read more]

The Role Of Boards In Crisis: 10 Steps For Directors Before, During And After Crisis

Leadership, “Reputation Matters” Forbes, October 8, 2014

We see it every day in our headlines: as crisis has become a new global norm, the board’s responsibility in crisis is changing rapidly.

No longer is plausible deniability acceptable, either for boards or for management. Corporate and nonprofit boards alike are expected to know of problems that are brewing deep within their organizations. And they are expected to act upon that knowledge swiftly. The public, shareholders, and media are holding boards responsible for corporate missteps as never before, and therefore the role of governance leading up to, during, and after crisis is transforming as we speak. […read more]

Company That Sues Soldiers Pledges Reform, Changes Name

Paul Kiel, ProPublica, October 7, 2014

USA Discounters has undergone a makeover. The Virginia-based retailer was the focus of a ProPublica investigation in July into its lending practices to service members. The company still sells high-priced furniture, electronics and appliances outside military bases across the country, but it has adopted a new name for its stores, USA Living, and says it has made reforms to its collections processes. […read more]

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Infographics Are Made

Liz Stinson, Wired, October 7, 2014

It’s been said that we’re living in the golden age of data visualization. And why shouldn’t we be? Every move we make is potential fodder for a bar chart or line graph. Regardless of how you feel about our constant quantification, its been a boon for designers who have made some exceptional infographics—and some not so exceptional ones. But what distinguishes one piece of data viz from the next? Oftentimes, the creative process can give keen insight into why certain visualizations are so successful. […read more]

All in for Her: 100 Facts on Women & Girls

Women Moving Millions, September 2014

Women Moving Millions has put together this comprehensive resource that lists 100 facts on women and girls broken down into the following categories: education, media/film, women on boards, philanthropy, wealth/purchase power, poverty, violence/trafficking, business case, military, politics, tech, sports, and health. […read more]

“Deeper Learning” Improves Student Outcomes. But What Is It?

Alexandria Neason, The Huffington Post, October 6, 2014

The pressure is on teachers this year. Students are preparing to be tested on the new, tougher Common Core State Standards in over 40 states where, in many cases, teachers will be evaluated on the outcome. But a new report published by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) has identified a school reform with proven results in boosting student achievement, and not only on tests. […read more]

Philosopher kings

The Economist, October 4, 2014

Business leaders would benefit from studying great writers. It is time to replace the outward-bound rite of managerial passage with something much more powerful: inward-bound courses. Rather than grappling with nature, business leaders would grapple with big ideas. The format would be simple. A handful of future leaders would gather in an isolated hotel and devote themselves to studying great books. […read more]