I wish the "powers that be" would incorporate philanthropy and its impact into all educational programs. I'm not saying the curriculum should revolve AROUND philanthropy, but can you imagine if every hospital CEO actually understood and appreciated what philanthropy can do for their hospital, system, etc? What would it mean if philanthropy was no longer an after thought, but incorporated from the very beginning?
I have seen cultures change, CEO's grasp the concept, engage and voila... AMAZING success! It is exciting, it is empowering... it becomes transformational.
In a perfect world, the head of fund development has a seat at the leadership table, has an office near the CEO, is included in the strategic planning process, etc. What is interesting to me is how much better everyone feels when this happens and yet there is still such a strong resistance to change. I suppose that is human nature and our lizard brain getting in the way again.
I am so incredibly lucky. Right now I am working with two CEOs who are AMAZINGLY receptive! They WANT to succeed. They are DRIVING the process. Both of them always make the resources available needed to bring philanthropy to the most successful level possible. Yes, it is an investment up front. Yes, it calls for a change in internal culture. Yes, it calls for them to lead the effort, to speak out and in favor of these changes... no, it is not always easy, and yet, they always make it happen. Some days I hold my breath waiting for the shoe to drop. Waiting for them to say no - no more!
So what makes these two leaders so open to the process? So willing to engage? So appreciative of philanthropy? I don't really know for sure, but I plan on asking them on my next visit. I think perhaps it is that they are true leaders with nothing but vision...
What about you? What do you think drives this behavior? And better yet, how do we encourage more of it early and often?
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