This is the eBook version of the printed book. This Element is an excerpt from Managing Leadership Transition for Nonprofits: Passing the Torch to Sustain Organizational Excellence (9780137047659) by Barry Dym, Susan Egmont and Laura Watkins. Available in print and digital formats. Why mission and vision are so crucial to non-profits, why so many fall short--and how to overcome this problem. The fundamental challenge for all leaders is to align their organizations in the service of their mission and vision, reflected in concrete objectives, realized in strategically developed operations, embedded in culture, and exemplified in their own being. Leadership, then, begins with mission and vision. These “soft” disciplines steady, orient, and drive the leader. When taken seriously, they provide discipline, inspiration, and guideposts for everything organizations do....

For nonprofits leadership transitions are a time of exceptionally high risk. Here, three internationally-respected experts show how to systematically identify, introduce, support, and monitor leaders in ways that enhance rather than undermine their performance. They explain why leadership transitions are so challenging for nonprofits, and show how to replace chaos and crisis with proven, sustainable leadership transition plans. Writing for all nonprofit board members, leaders, aspiring leaders, and stakeholders, the authors demonstrate how to: Maintain organizational momentum, continuity, and credibility through the transition Find leaders who align well with your organizational values and its evolving culture Avoid fighting, rumors, accusations, and the common mistakes that derail nonprofit leadership transitions Build a sturdy bridge between departing and incoming leaders Set appropriate expectations for both boards and leaders, and guide them to complement each other successfully Plan succession and continuity for the long-term Use transitions to advance the organization’s mission

Bring focus and direction to your work Too often, if you ask four people in a nonprofit what their organization's mission is, you'll get four different answers. Organizations without clearly defined and agreed-to mission and vision statements frequently find themselves adrift at sea, in real financial trouble, and unable to make an ongoing, positive impact on the community. But an effective mission and vision statement can help an organization unify services and create a consistent approach to new program development. Crafting Effective Mission and Vision Statements will help your organization develop (or revise) mission and vision statements that bring focus and direction to your work. With orderly, easy-to-follow steps, this engaging guide helps you: Build ownership for the mission and vision statements among board and staff Create a common understanding of your organization's goals Understand how mission and vision statements differ and how to use both for greatest benefit Develop a mission statement that captures exactly what your organization does Create a vision statement based on stakeholders' ideas and the organization's history, capacity for growth, and fundraising potential Use this guide to create mission and vision statements that help your organization stay focused and keep it moving toward a positive future.

Today's nonprofit organizations face an environment characterized by higher levels of competition for funding, clients and audiences, talent, and recognition. In addition, they confront greater pressures from donors, government, and the public to demonstrate efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and accountability, while intense social needs and problems, as well as the desire for growth, drive them to expand their programs and activities. Collectively, these challenges go to the heart of fundamental issues of mission and strategy. Integrating Mission and Strategy for Nonprofit Organizations applies and adapts the core body of general management knowledge about mission, strategy, and execution to help nonprofit leaders deal with the special challenges they face. It strives to draw on this knowledge in a way that does not dilute or oversimplify, and at the same time recognizes the unique features of the nonprofit or voluntary sector. James A. Phills develops an action-oriented framework that combines rigorous analysis with the practical challenge of execution and change. In addition to helping nonprofit leaders think through important decisions and make concrete choices, the book also provides a shared language and a discipline that can serve as the basis for more productive discussions between the individuals who lead nonprofits, the business executives who serve on their boards, and the philanthropists who support their organizations and programs. This last objective is critical, because too often nonprofit leaders and board members complain that they can't reap the benefits of the expertise of their supporters, funders, and volunteers from the business sector. Phills suggests that this is often the result of an inability to speak the same language and draw on a common understanding of key concepts, such as competition, strategy, and vision.

Bring focus and direction to your work Too often, if you ask four people in a nonprofit what their organization's mission is, you'll get four different answers. Organizations without clearly defined and agreed-to mission and vision statements frequently find themselves adrift at sea, in real financial trouble, and unable to make an ongoing, positive impact on the community. But an effective mission and vision statement can help an organization unify services and create a consistent approach to new program development. Crafting Effective Mission and Vision Statements will help your organization develop (or revise) mission and vision statements that bring focus and direction to your work. With orderly, easy-to-follow steps, this engaging guide helps you: Build ownership for the mission and vision statements among board and staff Create a common understanding of your organization’s goals Understand how mission and vision statements differ and how to use both for greatest benefit Develop a mission statement that captures exactly what your organization does Create a vision statement based on stakeholders’ ideas and the organization’s history, capacity for growth, and fundraising potential Use this guide to create mission and vision statements that help your organization stay focused and keep it moving toward a positive future.

Leaders of nonprofit organizations deliver programs and services vital to the quality of life in the United States. All the activities of our religious communities; the vast majority of the arts and culture, human services, and community development pursuits; as well as education and environmental advocacies take root and deliver their services within the nonprofit sector. Welcome to the world of leadership in nonprofit organizations. This sector offers an opportunity to serve as well as to lead. Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations: A Reference Handbook engages voices on issues and leadership topics important to those seeking to understand more about this dynamic sector of society. A major focus of this two-volume reference work is on the specific roles and skills required of the nonprofit leader in voluntary organizations. Key Features Presents contributions from a wide range of authors who reflect the variety, vibrancy, and creativity of the sector itself Provides an overview of the history of nonprofit organizations in our country Describes a robust and diverse assortment of organizations and opportunities for leadership Explores the nature of leadership and its complexity as exemplified in the nonprofit sector Includes topics such as personalities of nonprofit leaders; vision and starting a nonprofit organization; nonprofit law, statutes, taxation, and regulations; strategic management; financial management; collaboration; public relations for promoting a nonprofit organization; and human resource policies and procedures Nonprofit organizations are a large, independent, diverse, and dynamic part of our society. This landmark Handbook tackles issues relevant to leadership in the nonprofit realm, making it a welcome addition to any academic or public library.

"NONPROFITS LEADERSHIP FOR BEGINNERS" is an essential roadmap for anyone aspiring to make a meaningful impact through nonprofit leadership. This comprehensive guide unlocks the secrets of successful nonprofit management, empowering you to turn your passion into purposeful action. Inside these pages, you'll discover: Foundational principles of effective nonprofit leadership Strategies for building and motivating high-performance teams Techniques to navigate complex fundraising landscapes Keys to crafting compelling missions and visions Methods for measuring and maximizing your organization's impact Insights on ethical decision-making and governance Practical approaches to strategic planning and resource allocation From grassroots startups to established organizations, this book provides the tools and knowledge to lead with confidence, inspire change, and drive your nonprofit towards its goals. Learn how to balance mission-driven ideals with operational realities, and transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you're a first-time board member, a seasoned executive, or an aspiring nonprofit leader, this guide offers invaluable wisdom to help you steer your organization to success. Embrace the art and science of nonprofit leadership, and embark on a journey to create lasting, positive change in your community and beyond. Unlock your potential as a nonprofit leader. Your path to making a difference starts here.