Jean Roberts

Management (CEO or senior paid staff position in a nonprofit organisation)

‘Management’ can also include all paid positions reporting directly to the CEO – these reporting positions are frequently referred to as the CEO’s ‘span of control’.

As the senior staff position, the CEO is accountable to the Board for the overall management and operation of the service through a suitably qualified, experienced and competent body of staff … which may include a voluntary component.

The CEO’s role has two major components:

1. to act as executive officer to the Board which includes advising and informing the Board in fulfilling its governance role and function, and
2. to manage the affairs, activities and day-to-day operation of the organization within the endorsed strategic and policy framework.

Contact me to discuss governance and management within your organisation.

What’s the difference and relationship between ‘management’ and ‘leadership’?

 There is a close relationship – but they can indeed be separated.

 ‘Management’ = achieving agreed objectives with and through people, involving:

• adequate time
• trialing and refining of ideas
• delegating the right tasks to the right people at the right time in the right way
• adequate, available and appropriate resources
• clear policies, procedures and workpractices that contribute to continuous quality improvement
• adequate and appropriate financial and administrative systems, tools – and competencies
• clear and open communication
• negotiation and supervision

‘Management’ is a combination of ensuring job satisfaction for staff, and meeting organisational demands  

 ‘Leadership’ = ability to inspire other people to work together as a team, following your lead in order to attain a common objective, involving:

• interpersonal skills, including listening, questioning, observing, communicating
• willingness to learn as well as lead
• ability to relate effectively to a variety of behaviours, personalities, contexts and constraints
• commitment to building and maintaining relationships
• understanding the willingness, ability and commitment of ‘followers’ (you cannot be a leader if others are not prepared or willing to follow your lead)
• acceptance of limitations

‘Leadership’ is a combination of productivity and innovation