Too Busy to Sharpen YOur Saw? Think Again..

Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has become something of a compass for

leaders across the world. His seventh habit, “Sharpen the Saw,” is about continual personal

and professional renewal – investing in your own learning and growth so you can keep

leading effectively. At LEAD unfortunately we sometimes hear board members and leaders

either thinking that they have been around long enough so don’t need capability building, or

do not prioritise learning.

This habit isn’t a “nice to have.” It is essential. The context we work in is fast-moving,

resource-strained, and deeply connected to community wellbeing. If you aren’t keeping your

saw sharp, you risk becoming blunt in the face of the very challenges your organisation exists

to address. Ongoing learning is an critical element of leading well in the current storm of

complexity.

In practice, lifelong learning is about building your own capability so that you can govern

and lead with confidence, navigate change, and support your organisation to thrive. It’s also

about role-modelling a culture of learning within your board and team.

The question isn’t whether you can afford to invest in your own development. The question

is: can you afford not to?

Better by the Dozen: 12 Features of a Good Leadership and Governance Programmes

Not all training is created equal. A high-quality development programme for not-for-profit

leaders and board members has distinct characteristics. Here are 12 things to look for:

1. Designed by and for not-for-profit professionals – built on lived experience of governance and leadership in our sector.

2. Delivered by peers and practitioners – not just theory, but grounded insights from those who’ve led in similar contexts.

3. Local to New Zealand – programmes that understand our unique governance frameworks, laws, funders, and communities.

4. Relevant to your role – directly connects to the decisions, challenges, and opportunities you face in your leadership and governance.

5. Accessible – available in formats that fit busy volunteer and leader schedules (short sessions, online options, recordings).

6. Affordable, but valued – -low cost doesn’t mean low quality. Often, lower cost means someone recognises the importance of the programme and subsidises participation.

7. Practical and applied – -you leave with tools you can use immediately, not just concepts to think about.

8. Interactive – -learning through discussion, reflection, and peer connection, not just listening passively.

9. Culturally responsive - honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reflects the diversity of Aotearoa communities.

10. Future-focused – -equips you to anticipate trends like climate change, digital disruption, and shifts in funding.

11. Evidence-based - draws on sound research and proven frameworks alongside community knowledge.

12. Network-building - creates opportunities to connect with other leaders, strengthening the wider not-for-profit ecosystem.

Boards and leaders who sharpen their saw are better equipped to lead in complexity, make

sound decisions, and hold steady when communities need them most. Lifelong learning is not

indulgence; it’s kaitiaki in action.

The saw gets dull quickly in our sector – the pace of change, the weight of responsibility, and

the challenge of limited resources can wear us down. Keeping it sharp through ongoing

development is both a personal responsibility and a collective necessity.