The Character of Leadership : Political Realism and Public Virtue in Nonprofit Organizations

Rating:
Summary: An overlooked gem
Review: Machiavelli has been unfairly portrayed for centuries--kind of a Renaissance Dick Morris (minus the propensity for prostitutes and toe-s#&king). But the authors recognize the truth of Machiavelli's advice in the proper historical context and apply what he has to say to leadership in the modern world, especially as it relates to nonprofits. The section on determining whether your organization is a republic or a principality is worth the price of the book by itself. The authors' examples of skillful political maneuvering on behalf of worthwhile causes--not to mention bungling by well-meaning, but hopeless executives--are also enlightening.

Essentially, this book gives you some wonderfully useful strategies and ideas for making progress toward your organization's mission. You may have to learn to settle for incremental progress, for not always accomplishing everything you'd like to as soon as you'd like, but you can make a difference without compromising your values. The lessons in this book are practical for leaders of nonprofit and for-profit organizations. A little slow in parts, but well worth it overall.

Rating:
Summary: The Character of leadership: Political Realism and Public Vi
Review: The character of leadership: Politic Realism and Public Virtue in nonprofit organizations