The organizations of the social sector have the critical leadership challenge to restore civic responsibility and the civic pride that is the mark of community. Forty-five years ago, when I first began working with nonprofit organizations, many felt that good intentions were enough. Today, nonprofits have to think through very clearly what results are for their organization. They must demonstrate both commitment and competence in a highly demanding environment. You will engage in research to learn directly from customers what they value, decide what your results should be, and develop a plan with long-range goals and measurable objectives.
Acclamation means nobody has done the homework.
The organization's decisions are important and risky, and they should be controversial. In essentials unity, in action freedom, and in all things trust. Trust requires that dissent come out in the open. Nonprofit institutions need a healthy atmosphere for dissent if they wish to foster innovation and commitment. Without proper encouragement, people have a tendency to avoid such difficult, but vital, discussions or turn them into underground feuds.