Rule #58: “An effective CEO contributes to all that is good.”
Graham Shaw, COO
CEOs have a lot to shoulder. Not only do they influence employees, donors, organizational culture, mission performance, and the broader community . . .
They’re also responsible for identifying and communicating reality, creating clarity, acting decisively, addressing conflict, remaining curious, protecting organizational health, and empowering capable people. What a list of duties!
In the fundraising space, an organization becomes healthier when the CEO understands raising money as part of the ministry rather than a function delegated entirely to development. A CEO must know the overall condition of the fundraising program, support appropriate investments, and understand key donor relationships—all while establishing a culture that values truth, competence, accountability, and collaboration.
The bottom line of Rule #58 (in Doug’s book “More Rules of Fundraising”) is this: Healthy organizations begin with healthy leadership. A good CEO produces better financial results, sure . . . but also positively impacts every human being involved in an organization’s cause, from beginning to end.
The effectiveness of the CEO shapes the effectiveness of the entire ministry. A successful CEO strengthens every part of the organization by, among other things, bringing clarity, building trust, being realistic, pursuing excellence, empowering the right people for the right things, and treating fundraising—and donors—as integral to the overall mission
Read the next rule here . . .
Need a partner who’s just as committed to your work as you are? Let’s start a conversation today!
Related articles
-
In 32 Years, Absolutely Nothing’s Changed in Fundraising
Most days, when I sit down with my morning cup of coffee, our little dog Bailey at my side, I…
-
Hiding in Plain Sight
What if meaningful fundraising growth didn’t require a major new campaign, a complete website overhaul, or a dramatic change in…
-
From Decline to Growth: What Turnaround Campaigns Have in Common
Every nonprofit leader eventually faces decisions that do not come with easy answers. In these moments, the value of a…
