The Challenge of Change - Softcover

Philip Coltoff

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0978890302 ISBN 13: 9780978890308

Publisher: The Children's Aid Society, 2006

Synopsis

Leadership strategies for not-for-profit executives and boards. An essential primer by the former director of one of America's most influential nonprofits.

About this title

About the Author

A national leader and innovator in the fields of social service and youth development, Philip Coltoff led The Children's Aid Society in New York City from 1981 to 2005 and continues to consult for the organization. He is also executive-in-residence and a visiting professor at New York University School of Social Work. Under Coltoff's leadership, The Children's Aid Society's budget grew from $10 million to $80 million annually and its award-winning community school and teen pregnancy prevention programs were adapted in more than 1,500 sites nationally and internationally.

From the Back Cover

From the cover and the back cover:

"Every not-for-profit executive director in the country needs to read this book. It's an indispensable guide to the complex art of leadership by a true expert in the field." -Roxanne Spillett, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

"Not only inspiring but liberating. Phil speaks plain truths that are seldom voiced." -From the preface by Suzanne England, Professor and Dean, New York University School of Social Work

"The essence of leadership for the not-for-profit sector: down-to-earth, clear and comprehensive. This book should be required reading for all current and aspiring leaders of not-for-profits." -Gary Rosenberg, Ph.D., Edith J. Baerwald Professor of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine

"Whether you're in the not-for-profit or for-profit field, either way you can learn from Phil's wisdom." -Kimberly Davis, President, JPMorganChase Foundation

"I strongly recommend The Challenge of Change for all managers in not-for-profit agencies. It speaks to the work we do and prepares us for what is ahead." -Alan Luks, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, author of The Healing Power of Doing Good

"A treasure chest of compelling new ideas, lucidly written, easily accessible, and clearly illuminating the direction for executives." -Dr. Michael A. Carrera, Director, The Children's Aid Society Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"Our sector has grown exponentially in recent decades-and so has the responsibility of its leaders. This book offers useful tools to respond to changing times: new government demands, new accountability measures, new expectations from funders. It also provides my perspective on timeless issues, like how best to lead your staff and how to handle crises. Much has been written about the role of today's executive, but most of it is dry and theoretical. My goal is to offer dynamic, practical, easy-to-read advice, not only for current executive directors but also for mid-level managers who aspire to become directors.

"Throughout this book, you will find some recurring themes: the need for strong and secure leadership, the importance of taking thoughtful risks and standing up for principles, the value of respect in all interactions, and the merits of pushing yourself and others toward excellence. I also stress repeatedly that we need to remain true to the ideals of social change, of making life better for those in need, even when these ideals are out of sync with our materialistic, winner-takes-all society.

"Today's not-for-profit is structurally much more similar to corporate America than it has been at any time in the past. We are charitable but cost conscious, dedicated to helping people, and mission-driven. Our organizational systems often rely on corporate models, and we market our services, use the media, recruit staff, raise money, and sometimes even lobby the government along corporate lines.

"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. Our purpose is improving the lives of society's most vulnerable citizens, a slow and difficult but vitally important process that requires long-range vision and commitment, not a short-term focus on cost-benefit ratios."

Edition details

• Publisher: The Children's Aid Society
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0978890302
• ISBN 13: 9780978890308
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 125