Challenges for Non Profit Leaders

The challenges facing Not for Profit leaders was the topic of the keynote address to the MS Society’s International Summit on Non Profit Leadership in Melbourne this month. Professor Stephen Greyser from the Harvard Business School, in Boston, USA told the international audience that the job of CEO is now bigger and broader than at any time in the past.

Professor Greyser specialises in brand marketing, advertising and corporate communications, sports management, and NFP management. His extensive Not for Profit experience includes serving as a board member and national vice chair of the Public Broadcasting service, membership on the National Advertising Review Board and on the Advisory Committee for the Getty Museum Management Institute, and as a trustee of several foundations.

He says there are many things that he never learned in his PhD studies about changing leadership issues such as managing external constituencies, governance, strategic planning, financial planning, performance evaluation, mission re-assessment, reputation management and managing core activities with a ‘business’ balance!

He says while many CEOs view the current challenges as being the ‘evergreens’ of mission, strategy and managing growth and change; the job has also broadened to include many other issues.

These include allegiances and partnership combinations, boards and governance, political dimensions, leadership and personal growth, and funding (not as a major issue).

Professor Greyser says the challenges for Trustees include managing change, CEO succession, the shape, role and responsibilities of boards, and the value of better process.

He says the key to leadership is to make a difference. He concluded by saying that business is market-driven, Not for Profits are mission-driven and outstanding Not for Profits are mission-driven and market-sensitive!

Pro Bono Australia will address other issues raised at this extensive leadership conference in coming editions.