By John Hailey
NGO leaders often face extraordinary challenges – both
at a personal and organisational level. These challenges are demanding, and
distinct from those faced by governments or the for-profit sector.
NGO
leaders are often isolated and unsupported. There is talk of a leadership
deficit, because of the shortage of talented leaders and the growth of the
non-profit sector generally. As a result there is some urgency in attempts to
develop a new generation of leaders, and to provide relevant support to existing
and future leaders. Leadership development programmes designed for NGO leaders
must as a consequence incorporate best practice and current experience rather
than rehashing tired, traditional approaches to leadership training.
This
Praxis Paper examines the role of leaders and leadership in NGOs. It draws on
the analysis of recent research into the characteristics of NGO leaders, and
explores the challenges of designing leadership development programmes
appropriate to the needs of NGOs. This paper identifies the elements of
successful leadership development, and assesses the skills or competencies that
need be developed.
Printed copies of this publication are available to
buy for £5.95. Order a
copy
Contents
1 Perspectives on Leadership
1.1 Definitions
1.2
Leadership or Management
1.3 Leadership Traits, Styles and Competencies
1.4 Followers and Teams
2 NGO Leaders: Context and Culture
2.1
Responding to Culture and Context
2.2 Working Relationships and
Participation
3 NGO Leadership: Evolving Roles and Characteristics
3.1
Competencies and Characteristics
3.2 Women NGO Leaders
3.3 HIV/AIDS and
NGO Leaders
3.4 NGO Leadership and Change
4 The Challenge of Leadership
Development
4.1 Empowerment and Transformation
4.2 Practical Experience
and Strategic Reality
4.3 Methods and Approaches
5 Leadership
Development: Assessing its Impact
5.1 Impact and Effectiveness
5.2 Good
Practice and Lessons Learnt
5.3 Research Priorities for Successful
Leadership Development
6 Leadership Development: The Future Challenges
7
Conclusions
7.1 Leadership Development: A Personal Challenge
7.2
Leadership Development: A Capacity Building Priority?
___________________________________________________________________