Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 141
Letter to Social Service Leaders #1
social service sector however, mentors often offer their time as a gift. Good
mentoring serves to push the individual’s thinking, challenge assumptions,
and hold the individual accountable for improvements. Mentoring is about
customization so that the individual can develop a contextualized approach
to applying leadership skills. Mentoring as a relationship then enables leaders
to do their best work without having to follow a prescribed path to achieve
the desired results.
Building a culture of learning in the organization
Too often, leadership development programs focus solely on the organization’s
top individual or individuals. Yet, as most leaders at the top of not for profit
organisations will tell us, their success is highly dependent upon other leaders
across the organization, both at the staff and board level. If this is so, what
is needed then is for us to actively support leadership teams and build more
effective systems for organizational leadership and governance. This can
start with having a few dedicated “fellows” or “interim leaders” from the
organization to convene platforms for peer learning and mutual support. The
aim is to build a culture of learning where time is set aside for leaders to
facilitate learning and in turn grow leaders across the sector, starting from
within organisations. Through these efforts, the organisation can support
the ongoing growth of emerging and effective leaders. We must realize that
leadership development is not a stand-alone, separate domain. It is not a
single-dose approach confined to trainings, workshops, or retreats. It is as
much about day-to-day opportunities to learn and hone skills.
Stepping up and stepping out as leaders
We now have a range of approaches and opportunities for leadership
development in the social sector. It is time to rally those who have benefitted
from these to mentor others and go alongside newer ones to coach and
impart what they have mastered. Such efforts can be initiated by leaders who
are willing to step up and step out. There is the saying: “you don’t know what
you don’t know.” Leaders in reaching out can offer insights, perspectives and
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