Leadership for the Next Generation

Next generation, emerging practioner, 'newbie'. Many of us who read and contribute to this blog fit under one of those categories, either because we're young or we're not so young but new to the field. So what can we do to fit in the category of LEADER? What are the strategies of getting to the corner office with (as one of my grad school professors would say) "the big leather chair"?

This was the topic of the session Cultivating the Next Generation of Foundation Professionals. Moderated by Yolanda Alindor from the San Francisco Foundation, panelists Luz Vega-Marquis (Pres/CEO, Marguerite Casey Foundation), Charles Fields (Program Officer, Marguerite Casey Foundation) and our own Trista Harris discussed the strategies and philosophies for young philanthropists who are cultivating their careers.

Rusty started out with some informal polling of the room, asking questions about how many generations were represented in the various foundations attendees worked for and how many agreed with the current issue of the leadership gap. He also gave some historical content that demonstrated how foundations are often the last to see how important tit is to recognize talent in hiring considerations.

Luz provided a lot of insight from the perspective of a CEO who truly believes in hiring young people and helping to develop their careers in philanthropy. She emphasized that she sees this as ensuring the "dna" of the foundation is maintained through the next wave of leaders who will carry the organization's mission over the long haul. Her passion for diversity in the field comes from when she started out in philanthropy and saw no one like her in the where organization she worked. She discussed the reality of distrust between the generations and encouraged young philanthropists to seek out opportunities to get to know the senior staff and Board members by reaching out to the best in these individuals--in turn they will be willing to share.

Charles described his experience as a fellow through the San Francisco Foundation's Multicultural Fellowship Program. He encouraged CEOs to be thoughtful about creating a "good back bench" who can move the agenda forward. He also noted that institutions need to have value around diversity, not only ethnic but also generational. When asked about the importance of life experience for those trying to become leaders in philanthropy, he said that working on the ground gives insight and credibility in one's foundation work. He encouraged attendees to find mentors in their institutions who they connect with.

Trista also encouraged finding a mentor, in addition to seeking activities outside of one's comfort zone. She advised more experienced foundation staff to tell young staff about the unwritten rules of the foundation and helping them navigate the landscape. She also encouraged young staff to write down goals and recognize that the older generation want to leave a legacy and begin to learn from them.

All three presenters emphasized branching out and seeking the opportunities to grow and learn within the field, both through experience and from those who came before us. The big leather chair awaits all of us, but it's up to us to take the initiative to begin the path to occupy it.