In any organization, nonprofit or for-profit, there comes a time when there is a leadership change. It can be smooth and anticipated or abrupt and challenging, and there will be repercussions, either big or small.

Speaking during the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Conference on Fundraising, Thomas W. Mesaros, president and CEO of the Alford Group, and Sharon Moulds, executive director and CEO of the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America, highlighted the aspects of leadership and vision that can make or break not only a leader but also that leader’s organization.

They said that any leader must be able to provide leadership and vision, understanding that such a responsibility includes doing the following:

• Others will be looking to the CEO for leadership and direction. Give it to them.
• Focus on the fulfillment of the organization’s vision.
• Inspire others to see the long term.
• Be strategic rather than tactical – but remember that tactics are important to achieve results.
• Delegate.
• Hold others accountable to tasks.
• Hold yourself responsible for results.
• Be the servant leader. Never ask anyone to do something you would not do.
• Hold strong values and hold everyone in the organization accountable to those values.
• See reality and help others see the same reality.
• Have a sense of humor.