The Charismatic Organization: Eight Ways to Grow a Nonprofit that Builds Buzz, Delights Donors, and Energizes Employees (Hardcover)

by Shirley Sagawa (Author), Deborah Jospin (Author), Jonathan M. Tisch (Foreword)
Key Phrases: young heroes, charismatic organization, builds charisma, City Year, Citizen Schools, New Profit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"In today’s interdependent world, nonprofit organizations have more opportunity than ever before to make a difference in people’s lives. Drawing upon their extensive experience in public service, Shirley Sagawa and Deborah Jospin identify the traits that give successful nonprofits the competitive edge they need to maximize their effectiveness and sustainability. The Charismatic Organization: Eight Ways to Grow a Nonprofit That Builds Buzz, Delights Donors, and Energizes Employees draws an authoritative blueprint for using social capital to transform good intentions into concrete results."– Former President Bill Clinton

Product Description
The authors offer a framework that allows organizations to go beyond quick fixes and fundraising strategies to a broader paradigm that encompasses community and organization building. What if every person involved with an organization was fully engaged and shared a common goal? What if the efforts of a relatively small ring of staff and board members were amplified by everyone touched by the organization, including current and former volunteers, staff, board members, clients, constituents, funders and supporters? That, the authors show, is the way a charismatic organization operates. The book provides numerous examples of how successful organizations have made this shift, as well as action steps that all organizations can take to perform better.

"In today’s interdependent world, nonprofit organizations have more opportunity than ever before to make a difference in people’s lives. Drawing upon their extensive experience in public service, Shirley Sagawa and Deborah Jospin identify the traits that give successful nonprofits the competitive edge they need to maximize their effectiveness and sustainability. The Charismatic Organization: Eight Ways to Grow a Nonprofit That Builds Buzz, Delights Donors, and Energizes Employees draws an authoritative blueprint for using social capital to transform good intentions into concrete results."– Former President Bill Clinton

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (October 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470195460
• ISBN-13: 978-0470195468
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #30,833 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #29 in	Books > Business & Investing > Organizational Behavior > Organizational Change
  #38 in	Books > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Nonprofit Organizations & Charities

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, thoughtful, applicable, December 7, 2008

By	Judy Karasik (Silver Spring, MD United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I think this book is terrific. The whole concept of the charismatic organization takes the Good to Great debunking (although maybe that's too strong a word) of the charismatic leader and moves it into a positive and practical direction. This book helps folks to stop fretting over founder's syndrome and get busy with the good work of widening those circles of support: the social capital that this book is all about.

In addition, the book contains lots of practical applications in its Part Two--about communications, building constituency, etc. I've ordered an additional copy for my office because its recommendations are so specific and on target.

Another piece I really loved is a small piece, but really choice: the authors' discussion of how the now-established organizations founded in the Progressive Era depended on the networks of social capital of the time. What a great section--and unusual, as few current organizational development writers take the time and trouble to set today in the context of history and so lose the chance to make any kind of larger statements about continuity and change in the American tradition.

Practical, thoughtful, and applicable.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Roadmap for Non-Profit Success, November 17, 2008

By	Cynthia B. Costello (Bethesda, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

With the publication of The Charismatic Organization, we finally have a book that provides a roadmap to success for non-profit organizations. For too long, non-profits have operated in a bubble, working under the assumption that a charismatic leader was the linchpin for success. Shirley Sagawa and Deborah Jospin --- two nationally-known and highly-respected leaders with decades of experience in public service and consulting with non-profit and for-profit organizations --- show us that the most effective non-profits make charisma an organizational principle. In this highly readable book stock full of detailed examples drawn from charismatic organizations, the authors lay out the two steps non-profits must take in order to thrive and grow: First, they must build social capital through mission-driven motivation, a can-do culture, data-driven decision-making, purposeful innovation, and people-focused management. And second, they must capture a wider circle of board members, volunteers, policymakers, and donors through compelling communications, active outreach, and meaningful involvement. Especially in these tight economic times, The Charismatic Organization is a must read for all who care about the future of non-profits in America.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Many useful ideas for social entrepreneurs, December 21, 2008

By	James Fruchterman (Palo Alto, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I read a book, I feel like it was a success if I came across one idea I could use in my life (including work!). This book was handed to me by the CEO of the Social Enterprise Alliance, and I wasn't sure what to expect.

This book delighted me with many useful ideas that I can use in my social enterprise work. The challenge of moving an organization from a having a charismatic leader (ok, I only partially resemble that) to being a charismatic organization is one that all founder-leaders need to confront. Drawing examples from many top-performing socially entrepreneurial organizations, this book is full of concepts explained in understandable and vivid detail.

I'll be getting more of this book to share with more of my team!