Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Few books have addressed the topic of leadership–as opposed to management–in the nonprofit sector. Nanus is already known for his work on leadership, and with leadership guru Warren Bennis, he coauthored Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge (1985), and he wrote Visionary Leadership: Creating a Compelling Sense of Direction for Your Organization (1992). Dobbs was president of the $800 million Marin Community Foundation when he and Nanus met at a conference of the Larger Community Foundations Group in 1997 and mutually acknowledged the lack of material on nonprofit leadership. As a result, they collaborated on this book, which defines leadership and identifies its qualities and explores the leader’s roles as a visionary, strategist, change agent, coach, politician, and campaigner. The authors conclude with an examination of the issue of accountability and the question of how results are measured in nonprofit organizations. Each of the 11 chapters begins with a profile of someone who has successfully exemplified nonprofit leadership. David Rouse
Review
“Nanus and Dobbs have written a seminal book about a long-neglected and key area of American life: the leadership of not-for-profits. The examples and concepts, written in a marvelously down-to-earth and lucid manner, will, I promise, double–at the very least–the effectiveness of these increasingly important institutions. It’s a first and should be read by all those concerned about not-for-profits: board members most especially, but volunteers, executives, benefactors, and academics as well.” (Warren Bennis, University Professor, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, and coauthor of Organizing Genius)
“These authors have made a remarkable contribution to social sector nonprofit leadership. It’s a valuable resource by two great authorities on a critical need.” (Frances Hesselbein, chairman of the board, The Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management)
“This book is grounded in relevant theory and in practical experience. It is clear, comprehensive, and convincing. I’d recommAnd it to anyone who has entered the nonprofit arena.” (Howard Gardner, professor of cognition and education and adjunct professor of psychology, Harvard University, and author of Leading Minds: An Anatomy of Leadership)
“Leaders Who Make a Difference captures the essence of nonprofit leadership in a clear and comprehensive approach. Nanus and Dobbs have shown nonprofit leaders the way to organization building, strengthening relationships that effect change, and most importantly, enable the nonprofit to make a vital difference.” (Eileen W. Goldblatt, president and chief executive officer, “I Have a Dream” Foundation)
“Leaders of nonprofit organizations will findno better book to understand their leadership. This will be a text for students, a guide for practitioners, and a reminder for experienced leaders. The authors combine insightful theory with case studies of some of the finest nonprofit leaders today. A winning combination.” (Lovett H. Weems Jr., president, Saint Paul School of Theology, and author of Church Leadership)
“If there’s one thing that today’s nonprofit sector needs more than anything else, it’s leadership. In Leaders Who Make a Difference, Burt Nanus and Stephen Dobbs illustrate the qualities that do ‘make a difference’ by telling real-life stories of exceptional nonprofit leaders–few of them household names–and examining the lessons these men and women learned the hard way.” (Dorothy S. Ridings, president and CEO, Council on Foundations)
“This well researched book is written to help current CEOs, as well as to develop and motivate individuals now emerging from all segments of our society to lead with confidence and competence into and through the next century.” (Clark A. Blasdell, president and CEO, Northbay Ecumenical Homes)
“Nanus and Dobbs have written a seminal book about a long-neglected and key area of American life: the leadership of not-for-profits. The examples and concepts, written in a marvelously down-to-earth and lucid manner, will, I promise, double–at the very least–the effectiveness of these increasingly important institutions. It’s a first and should be read by all those concerned about not-for-profits: board members most especially, but volunteers, executives, benefactors, and academics as well.” (Warren Bennis, University Professor, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, and coauthor of Organizing Genius)
“These authors have made a remarkable contribution to social sector nonprofit leadership. It’s a valuable resource by two great authorities on a critical need.” (Frances Hesselbein, chairman of the board, The Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management)
“This book is grounded in relevant theory and in practical experience. It is clear, comprehensive, and convincing. I’d recommAnd it to anyone who has entered the nonprofit arena.” (Howard Gardner, professor of cognition and education and adjunct professor of psychology, Harvard University, and author of Leading Minds: An Anatomy of Leadership)
“Leaders Who Make a Difference captures the essence of nonprofit leadership in a clear and comprehensive approach. Nanus and Dobbs have shown nonprofit leaders the way to organization building, strengthening relationships that effect change, and most importantly, enable the nonprofit to make a vital difference.” (Eileen W. Goldblatt, president and chief executive officer, “I Have a Dream” Foundation)
“Leaders of nonprofit organizations will find no better book to understand their leadership. This will be a text for students, a guide for practitioners, and a reminder for experienced leaders. The authors combine insightful theory with case studies of some of the finest nonprofit leaders today. A winning combination.” (Lovett H. Weems Jr., president, Saint Paul School of Theology, and author of Church Leadership)
“If there’s one thing that today’s nonprofit sector needs more than anything else, it’s leadership. In Leaders Who Make a Difference, Burt Nanus and Stephen Dobbs illustrate the qualities that do ‘make a difference’ by telling real-life stories of exceptional nonprofit leaders–few of them household names–and examining the lessons these men and women learned the hard way.” (Dorothy S. Ridings, president and CEO, Council on Foundations)
“This well researched book is written to help current CEOs, as well as to develop and motivate individuals now emerging from all segments of our society to lead with confidence and competence into and through the next century.” (Clark A. Blasdell, president and CEO, Northbay Ecumenical Homes)
Order Leaders Who Make a Difference: Essential Strategies for Meeting the Nonprofit Challenge (A Jossey Bass title): Burt Nanus, Stephen M. Dobbs form Amazon.
