Working Across Generations Defining the Future of Nonprofit Leadership [Hardcover]

The authors provide a range of ideas on how to approach generational shifts in leadership so that the contributions of long-time leaders are valued, new and younger leaders' talent is recognized, and groups are better prepared to work across generational divides. Giving context to these differences, they explore the current assumptions about the upcoming transition between generations in the social sector; introduce new ideas or frames for thinking about generational leadership change; and examine how this change poses individual, organizational, and systemic challenges for those in the social sector. In addition, they provide numerous examples and practical exercises to show how to address these issues. The book concludes with critical advice on how to communicate across generations and key recommendations for future research and action.

Foreword ix

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xv

Part One: Generations of Leaders 1

1 Which Crisis? 3

2 Meet the Generations 21

3 Roles and Values: Laying the Groundwork 55

Part Two: Shifts Happen: Moving Forward 75

4 The Boomers Are Leaving? 77

5 Solving the Crisis: A New Generation of Leaders 107

6 Leading Across Generations 147

Selected Resources 177

About the Authors 183

Index 186

Recipient of the 2008 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal in Philanthropy/Charity/Nonprofit

THE AUTHORS

FRANCES KUNREUTHER is the director and founder of the Building Movement Project, which works to strengthen the role of U.S. nonprofit organizations as sites for social change and focuses in part on generational change in leadership.

HELEN KIM is a consultant witlSÒ