CDE project 17: leadership
There’s no doubt that high quality, inspirational leadership is the lynchpin in any organisation’s approach to and expectations from fundraising. Yet it’s an area that suffers from premature turnover and underinvestment as well as misunderstanding. Building on previous learning this project will define what makes great fundraising leaders and what leadership they need from their senior management colleagues and their board if they are to deliver the competent, motivating leadership that will sustain and direct the new style of fundraising that is evolving in Britain.
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CDE project 17 summary: leadership
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
Building on previous learning this project will define what makes great fundraising leaders and what leadership they need from their senior management colleagues and their board if they are to deliver the competent, motivating leadership that will sustain and direct the new style of fundraising that is evolving in Britain.
Read moreCDE project 17 section 1: the approach
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
In this project we were seeking to answer the question: ‘What kind of leadership have you found increases the chances that a charity will operate in a donor-centred way?’
Read moreCDE project 17 section 2.1: introduction
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
‘It’s about giving and engaging people, it’s this lovely virtuous cycle where you get to give money, and you get to do something yourself that actually makes a difference.’
Read moreCDE project 17 section 2.2: ‘Define and champion’ and ‘Help people see’
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
‘You need to develop that sense of shared consciousness…so we all know what the picture is, what we’re striving collectively to do and we’ve got permission to get on and do it.’
Read moreCDE project 17 section 2.3: your organisation’s purpose
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
Focus attention on why changing the way you work with supporters is something you must do, not just something you should do.
Read moreCDE project 17 section 2.4: your definition of success
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
Define and reinforce what success looks like in terms of your supporter’s experience.
Read moreCDE project 17 section 3.1: people build great relationships
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
'Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.'
Read moreCDE project 17 section 2.5: relentlessly reinforce the vision and make it visible
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
Richard Spencer explained that one way he helped put the point of view of the supporter at the forefront of people’s minds was by circulating a weekly results update.
Read moreCDE project 17 section 3.2: inside-out leadership
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
It is not about changing others – it is about changing yourself first.
Read moreCDE project 17 section 3.3: trust - risk - people
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
Richard Turner said that one of the most powerful shifts he has ever made as a leader was deciding to spend time every week with the people he manages.
Read moreCDE project 17 section 4.1: culture - create an adaptable, empowered environment
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
A major turning point for Solar Aid came when their leaders decided to focus their efforts on solving one challenge in particular: the fact that the most common source of light in the evening for many people was the kerosene lamp.
Read moreCDE project 17 section 4.2: the game is different now
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
The challenge is that the world in the 21st century is fundamentally different to the 20th century. Changes in technology have had a huge impact on the environment in which charities now operate.
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