Fundraising professionals must accomplish goals and meet expectations, and yet they also need to be creative in managing their programs because of the dynamic state of the profession. They have to get things done, but they need to exercise leadership from whatever rank or position they hold in order to motivate others. Leading without authority is not easy, but it is essential for the successful fundraising professional. Leading Up shows fundraisers how to develop and hone these vital leadership skills regardless of their job or position.

Real leadership has never been about authority, positional power, or dogmatic dictatorship. It’s about listening, valuing ideas, following advice, and bringing people together for a common goal and vision. Lilya Wagner, author and Vice President for Philanthropy at Counterpart International, explains how everyone in the fundraising profession can be—and must be—a leader. Filled with thought-provoking commentary, exercises, and practical applications to help readers apply the principles discussed and develop their leadership skills, Leading Up covers:

• Desirable traits and characteristics for successfully leading up in the fundraising profession
• A reality check on fundraisers’ roles and how to get the job done, and done well, while not being in charge
• How to modify attitudes and actions to become a successful leader
• The challenges fundraisers confront when working with volunteers, donors, colleagues, and others
• Processes that move the organization toward its primary mission
• “They” and “us”: the differences between those who have designated power and identified leadership status and those who can and will lead up
• Lilya Wagner’s model for leading up
• Concepts fundraisers must have to become leaders, including: leading for loyalty, leading for innovation, leading to build, emotional intelligence, ethical practice, and more
• Tips to transform fundraisers and build their capabilities for meeting the challenges of leading up
• Specific steps to help professionals become effective leaders

The time has come for all fundraisers to be leaders—for the benefit of the donor, the constituents, the organization, and themselves—and Leading Up leads the way.