# Where are the new leaders?

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/07/03/where-are-new-leaders/
- Published: 2007-07-03T20:08:47+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

We talk a lot about professionalisation in the sector, and a good thing too. 
But I worry that as a consultant I’m coming across more and more very competent 
managers, but fewer and fewer real leaders.

 Let me explain.  Managers are great for enabling people to do things: leaders
are great for inspiring people to do great things.  Managers tend not to be risk-
takers, but assess the options and adopt a cautious approach.  Leaders will encourage
innovation and risk.  They are not afraid of failing and they are not afraid 
of being laughed at.  It was Ghandi who said “First they ignore you, then they
laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

The levels of competence in fundraiding management have never been higher, but the
levels of innovation and risk appear to me to be lower than ever.  This is partly
to do with the whole “risk assessment” culture that has appeared in the UK over 
the last 10 years, with the resulting risk aversion that trickles down from trustees.

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As a sector, we need to do more to encourage leadership – we need to celebrate leaders
at all levels – leaders after all are often not found in the higher echelons of 
management where they’ve had their leadership beaten out of them.  Come on Institute
of Fundraising, let’s have some leadership awards recognising those people who’ve
really shone and made things happen.

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