"The Essential Triumvirate"
In the last two blog posts, we explored the tensions among board leaders, executive directors and development directors. This is a vicious cycle, preventing nonprofits from realizing their potential to be great.
Penelope Burk, in her new book Donor Centered Leadership, suggests some solutions:
1. Hire* People Who Lead!
CEOs who. . .
Board members who. . .
Development directors who. . .
2. Get out of the way and let them lead!
Clearly, there is much more to Penelope's book. I urge you to read it.
*Yes,you do hire board members: looking for volunteers who bring essential skills and talents to meet core needs, are loyal to the organization and team-centered, willing to fulfill the most critical role: fundraising and donor development. Do you have a job description for the board and one for individual board members? You should.
In the last two blog posts, we explored the tensions among board leaders, executive directors and development directors. This is a vicious cycle, preventing nonprofits from realizing their potential to be great.
Penelope Burk, in her new book Donor Centered Leadership, suggests some solutions:
1. Hire* People Who Lead!
CEOs who. . .
- take a collaborative approach to fundraising management
- see fundraising as a core job and have the skills
- credit fundraising staff for their achievements
- support the board in their fundraising work
Board members who. . .
- are great advocates
- open doors
- create fundraising opportunities
Development directors who. . .
- are chronic over-achievers
- are team players
- are paid what they are worth
2. Get out of the way and let them lead!
Clearly, there is much more to Penelope's book. I urge you to read it.
*Yes,you do hire board members: looking for volunteers who bring essential skills and talents to meet core needs, are loyal to the organization and team-centered, willing to fulfill the most critical role: fundraising and donor development. Do you have a job description for the board and one for individual board members? You should.
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