Customer Reviews

The Challenge of Change

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A seasoned non-profit executive and former CEO of the renowned Children's Aid Society, Philip Coltoff demonstrates his commitment to improving the lives of the world's most underserved people in "At the Crossroads." As enjoyable, informative and easy to read as his first book, "The Challenge of Change," Coltoff's second narrative is also well-organized, thoughtful and instructive; each page conveys lessons learned and best practices the author synthesizes with grace and ease. Whether he is enumerating how a non-profit can best brand itself and fine tune its mission to accommodate a changing global landscape or deconstructing United States federal law such as Sarbanes-Oxley, the writer engages his reader with prose that is accessible to everyone, from the idealistic undergraduate contemplating a career in social services to a visionary leader who is slowly settling into retirement after decades building a grassroots organization from the bottom up. While its primary goals may be to educate inform and inspire current and future non-profit leaders and their board members, "At the Crossroads" also imparts invaluable wisdom that can benefit the private sector. Staff management, monitoring and evaluation, and theories of change are all eloquently addressed, rendering the book mandatory reading for anyone interested in the world of work. The non-profit world is, as Coltoff writes, "growing, changing and becoming more complicated." Fortunately, one of its greatest contributors provides a voice of reason, helping us charter a clear path across a complicated landscape, turning obstacles into opportunities.
--Megan Quitkin

As with his first book, The Challenge of Change, Phil Coltoff shares his vast knowledge and experience in nonprofit management with the next generation. Phil's supportive style makes reading this helpful book like sitting with him by the fireside, absorbing his wise teaching and sage advice.

At the Crossroads offers insights for both the aspiring leader and the senior leader --- this book succinctly and intelligently portrays the author's own experiences, learning and research. As a CEO, Phil's commitment to the welfare of children created a sense of urgency, from the maintenance worker to the clinician, at the same time that his tactical leadership inspired programs and services that led to evidence based practices. Not for profit executive management programs ought to have this book as required reading---there are gems and pearls in many pages that will resonate for leaders and for those aspiring to leadership positions.

At the Crossroads: Not-for-Profit Leadership Strategies for Executives and Boards

At the Crossroads: Not-for-Profit Leadership Strategies for Executives and Boards

With the worst recession in the last century, new ledership is sought tht is apolitical and unbiased to unite our country and give it a direction in many areas, including how we deal with social problems. The force that can provide that leadership is the nonprofit field, which means society needs to greatly strengthen this sector. Coltoff's book looks at the charity's staff leaders and boards of trustees and provides a prescription on how to make this happen. Very important reading for all.

Coltoff addresses executive and board leadership of not for profit organizations. He writes using his experience, those of others and a careful reading of the literature. The book is a no nonsense pragmatic work that board members and not for profit executives should read as well as those who teach future leaders. Each chapter summarizes the key take away points made in the chapter. While it is written about executive leadership it is useful to leaders at all levels of the organization. I highly recommend it.

Coltoff's book explores the strength of the nonprofit field, all aspects, and how to imrprove them, from program to administration. Nonprofits are vital to the country's social service net. This book is a great guide on how to strengthen their impact.At the Crossroads: Not-for-Profit Leadership Strategies for Executives and Boards