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Philip Coltoff's book, The Challenge of Change, delivers on its subtitle - "Leadership Strategies for Not-For-Profit Executives and Boards". Far too often we use the word "strategy" when what we are really talking about is tips or tactics, but Coltoff doesn't fall into that trap. Nor does he just recycle for-profit corporate practices with a nonprofit paint job. Indeed, he makes a point of saying that "Elements of corporate style are certainly useful for not-for-profits. But we should never apply a corporate vision to the substance of our work." Bravo!
Throughout this thin volume, Coltoff keeps his eye on high level principles and practices that can be applied again and again in different contexts. Despite the high level strategic perspective, the lessons are not at all vague. When he describes his five essential leadership qualities - Vision, Commitment, Excellence, Humility, and Peace of Mind - I felt like I had actually learned something new, rather than just been lectured with abstractions. It helps enormously that he then applies these principles and provides contextual guidelines in the major areas of nonprofit leadership. Finally, I profoundly appreciated the analysis he provides about the role of social service agencies in social change work, described by the principle "Service + Advocacy = Change". This quick-read of a book is a gem.
Posted: 8/24/07; 9:36:42 AM # |
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