Full Description
Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, beas shrewd as snakes, and as innocent as doves. --Matthew10:16
. . . remarkable example of practical humanities scholarship. . ..Those who lead all sorts of nonprofit organizations can benefitfrom this bracing encounter with political realism.
--James Wind, president, Alban Institute and author of Places toWorship
Leaders of nonprofit enterprises are often motivated by acompleting vision of how the world should be. Too often, however,this prevents them from understanding and skillfully operating inthe realm of pragmatic realism. For nonprofit leaders who want tosucceed in their efforts to change the world without selling theirsouls, Jinkins and Jinkins offer a guide to pragmatic andprincipled politics.
This book includes case studies of the political successes andfailures of talented, good-hearted leaders in a variety of rolesincluding seminary presidents, pastors, and leaders of socialservice agencies. The authors show us that realistic leaders knowthat in the rough and tumble of the real world, we must strive tocreate a place where our values can be translated into policy andcommon life--learning how to do this is the task that confronts us.
Contents
The Machiavelli Principle.
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE.
We're Not Past the Past.
Exercising a Hermeneutic of Suspicion: Or, Whose History Do We PayAttention To?
The Perils of an Unarmed Prophet.
The Trouble with Mercenaries.
Foreseeing the Unforeseeable.
MAKING CHANGE IMAGINABLE WHERE YOU ARE.
Developing the Sense of Smell.
Are You in a Principality or a Republic?
Understanding the Ecology of Leadership and Power.
Authenticity and Duplicity.
NURTURING CHARACTER FOR REALISTIC LEADERSHIP.
Virtue Redefined: Becoming a Leader of Consequence.
Integrity.
Courage.
Flexibility.
Talent.
Prudence.
DEVELOPING POLITICAL SKILLS.
What Competence Looks Like.
Making Political Connections Without Toadying.
Builing Leadership Teams.
Planning Strategy with the Whole System in Mind.
Attracting Money Through Accountability and Good Will.
Dealing with Sabotage and Opposition.
Conclusion: Passion Is Not Enough.
References.
Index.
