However, a positive, effective leader has a clear sense of what needs to be accomplished, helps groups make the tough decisions and challenges people to remain focused on a clear set of goals. If our focus is not clear, we are done before we start. Constituency Delivery Community organizers like to say that there are two major sources of power - organized money and organized people. Most will tell you that a positive, effective leader can deliver people. Leaders who can bring people out for a meeting or an action may be skilled at building relationships, well respected or feared, but they can deliver people.
People power is usually the strongest tool that nonprofit organizations have.
When I was the executive director of a faith-based organizing effort in East Harlem, the tenor of discussions changed when those that I negotiated with knew that I was the lead staff person for an organization with an institutional membership of over 40 congregations and religious organizations. Power can change the rules. One cautionary note is that power must be used or exhibited to be a threat. Without a track record of bringing a constituency together, such power becomes meaningless. Patience Beware of the shooting star syndrome.