Mission-Driven Leadership
It only took 30 years working in nonprofits and philanthropy, but I think I may have discovered something truly unique: a fundamentally different kind (maybe even species) of leader.
I’ve been fortunate to get to observe and learn from several of these kind of leaders, and each has been truly set apart from others. I've discovered these kinds of leaders serving as:
Passionate nonprofit, business, and philanthropic executives
Wise board members and volunteers
And even generous donors
I’ve candidly struggled to enunciate just how unique such leaders are, and the most accurate description I’ve been able to muster is:
Mission-Driven Leaders
They are the kinds of leaders who face highly complex societal problems and can immediately envision solutions. The kinds who pour themselves out for those in need without concern for recompense. The kinds who can attract others to a cause and then rally them to selfless action.
So I’m curious, have you also discovered these kinds of leaders?
Might you be one of them?
And if not, is it possible you could become one?
In studying and attempting to define Mission-Driven Leadership, I’ve found it’s often easier to start with what this kind of leadership IS NOT, rather than what it is. Below are three examples what we’ve found Mission-Driven Leadership is NOT.
#1 Mission-Driven Leadership is NOT Power-Driven Leadership
Mission-driven leaders tend to share power and authority with others (boards, partners, funders, volunteers, members, etc.) and must be able to achieve results through consensus-building and distributed decision-making.
In my first nonprofit CEO role, I reported to a board of 21 influential community leaders, served more than 600 organizational members, and was funded by more than 100 individuals and institutions. I quickly learned that it was largely our mission, not my position or power, that bound these many diverse stakeholders together in a common cause.
#2 Mission-Driven Leadership is NOT Wealth-Driven Leadership
Mission-driven leaders most often sacrifice their true earning potential, sometimes taking no compensation at all, working for below-market compensation, foregoing raises, and even eschewing retirement plans.
My wife is one of these kinds of leaders, and she launched and led a full-fledged and highly successful charitable initiative for 10 years at a glorious annual salary of $0, not because our family was well-off, but because she was singularly and sacrificially passionate about serving foster and adoptive kids and families.
It was that mission, not a paycheck, that fueled her passion and drew so many others to rally around that cause.
#3 Mission-Driven Leadership is NOT Fame-Driven Leadership
Quick, name the three most famous social sector executives you know! Mission-driven leaders, despite holding fancy titles like “Executive Director” and “Chairman of the Board” work largely behind the scenes and almost never grace the covers of magazines or become social media influencers.
I once thought I had reached the pinnacle of nonprofit fame when our local CBS TV affiliate invited me down for an on-air segment to talk about a big program we were launching, only to find out that I would be on-air in the “prime” 5:45am Early Show slot for a total of 57 seconds.
It was the chance to spread the word about our mission that got me out of bed that morning and through a stressful live TV interview, even if only to reach a few dozen viewers.
If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you ARE a mission-driven leader, and if so, thank you for your leadership.
We are here to support your journey, and we want to encourage you to continue your Good Work.