Is Community Leadership Arrogant?
Diana R. Sieger, president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and pictured right, is one of only a few foundation presidents who blog as a part of their website presence. Here's a dynamite pinch from her most recent piece which describes new energy that community foundations are putting into creating impact, and the sometimes surprising push-back that can accompany it:
I am reminded of an experience I had last year when asked by a colleague to present to the board of a community foundation she directs situated in a city similar in size to Grand Rapids about the importance of setting a dynamic course for their foundation. Making sure that I delivered what my friend asked for, I described how they may want to venture forward in their community revealing the vision, mission and four strategic strategies that set the course for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
One of our strategies is: “Lead significant social change”. After my presentation, I was met with stunned silence. I took a deep breath and asked if there were any reactions? Well - one of the board members and one of the few females - said the following: “Your strategy regarding leading significant social change is arrogant at best. How can you even say that - what gives you the right?” While I expected a reaction, I did not expect that strong of a reaction - I cannot replicate the tone of the question asked in writing but it was not said softly.
My answer focused on the fact that our board embraced this and in fact they think it is important for us. I said it may not fit your board and culture but it does fit ours and left it at that. On the plane home I knew I didn’t answer the question well at all and should have said, “If not us, then who?”
Leadership does not always need to be confrontational but it is needed today more than ever before. Community foundations are uniquely positioned to be the leaders they need to be and frankly many have done so for many, many years!
I wasn't there for Diane's presentation but wouldn't be surprised if her questioner read a great deal of content between the lines that may not have been there. While I've blogged extensively, as a former grantmaker and grantseeker, about arrogance within professional philanthropy, I've also experienced real resistance when any organized body takes the reins to address deeply entrenched problems.
What do you think? What does it take to ensure that community leadership isn't arrogant?
Posted at 1:25 AM, Oct 01, 2007 in Philanthropic Strategy | Permalink | Comments (1)