Weeknote 10

*Starkeeper Morton is CEO aka Keeper of The Haven in Stonehaven amongst many other things

“We need to rename the “Third Sector” -? I’ve never come third in anything in my life!” I am half-way through a Leadership program and these are the wee gems I get to listen to every Friday morning that make me chortle into my tea.

I’ve spent a lot of time this week reflecting on this statement. I’ve been working in the Third Sector for nearly 8 years now and never really questioned why it was called that.

Being in the Third Sector feels sometimes like being the third wheel in the economy, not solely profit driven like the private sector, but too much personality and progress for the public sector. The awkward guest no one knows where to sit at the table should they get on a passionate rant or start holding some accountability around educating on pronouns or poverty statistics.

Sometimes I find myself having a play-date in the public and private sector and it quickly reminds me why I prefer the “third sector.” There is a real warmth and authentic atmosphere in the third sector. People tend to be more supportive and forgiving. The generosity of free opportunities and quality training I have received by being in the Third Sector Gang has been extraordinary. I sometimes get seduced by the level of professionalism and accountability of the private sector which is attractive but doesn't outweigh the other characteristics. Money, for money sake alone, is quite frankly boring. I would need longer than a week to think of something positive about the public sector, given my experience.?

To me the word “third”, from a linear perspective, comes after first and second and the Third Sector is too action based from my experience for that. The Third Sector is more of a bridge between the Private and Public, filling in the societal gaps, a grey area to operate in. I’ve always preferred being in these areas, more potential, possibility and purpose.?

Perhaps we should re-brand the Third-Sector as “Purpose Sector” to sit along the Private and Public. I’ve always liked alliteration.