When seismic shifts—such as global health crises, social and political uprisings—rocked our world, mere hope proved an insufficient shield. In our interconnected global society, a myriad of challenges continually emerge, demanding coordinated and strategic responses. Whether facing new health crises, environmental disasters, socio-political upheavals, or systemic economic downturns, these events highlight the insufficiency of relying solely on hope. The call for transformative leadership has never been louder.
Organizations, especially within the nonprofit sector, confront the complexities of strategic governance, navigating ethics in a diverse society, and the ever-evolving intricacies of financial management. True leadership extends beyond hope; it necessitates a deliberate strategy, robust engagement of volunteers, and an unwavering commitment to impactful programming. Leaders bear the responsibility to foster collaboration, allocate resources judiciously, and effectively articulate their vision, ensuring their narratives stand out in a world saturated with stories.
Hope is Not a Strategy: Leadership and Positioning in Health and Human Services integrates:
- Panoramic Insights: Traverse the far-reaching effects of global challenges on the nonprofit arena, often operating on razor-thin margins.
- Strategic Mastery: Probe into the nuances of strategy and the art of positioning within nonprofits, enabling your organization to thrive amidst adversity.
- Case Studies: Tangible examples from a diverse array of service sectors bring theory into practical context.
- Data Deep Dive: Chart the vast landscape of the nonprofit sector, from its pivotal contributions to the challenges it faces in volatile environments.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: While the primary focus is on the nonprofit realm, the insights gleaned resonate across a spectrum of industries.
Hope is Not a Strategy isn't merely a book—it’s a clarion call, urging leaders to evolve their perspectives. Channeling Albert Einstein's sentiment on the power of shifting mindsets, this tome equips leaders with the requisite tools.
For Whom?
- Educators: An all-encompassing guide tailored for both digital and traditional pedagogies.
- Nonprofit Visionaries: Strengthen your leadership to navigate tumultuous landscapes.
- Aspiring Leaders and Practitioners: Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of nonprofits and its profound repercussions.
- Community Torchbearers: Envision a future that focuses on expansive, enduring impacts.
In a landscape marked by volatility and unparalleled challenges, this book stands as a guiding beacon. It underscores the notion that while hope illuminates the journey, leadership is anchored in strategic wisdom. Join the vanguard of change, and together, let's forge a resilient and visionary trajectory for the nonprofit domain.
Preface
Introduction: Hope is Not a Strategy: Leadership, Strategy, and Positioning in Health and Human Services
Chapter 1: The Pandemic, Social Movements, and the Force for Change
Chapter 2: The Essence of Leadership
Chapter 3: Organization Theory: The Nonprofit and Public Perspective
Chapter 4: Leadership and the Changing Context of Management
Chapter 5: Ethics, Morality, Law
Chapter 6: The Color of Law
Chapter 7: Fundraising and Resource Development
Chapter 8: Sustaining Impact: Structure, Program Design, and Evaluation
Chapter 9: Change and Stability
Chapter 10: Fostering Collaborative Outcomes: Advocacy, Collaboration, and Strategic Alliances
Chapter 11: Hope is Not a Strategy: Strategy Development and Strategic Planning
Chapter 12: Telling your Story: Strategic Marketing and Communications
Lyn
Corbett
Dr. Lyn Corbett is a nationally recognized leadership strategist, motivational speaker, and President of The Pivotal Group Consultants Inc.—a firm trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major philanthropic institutions, and mission-driven organizations. His leadership strategies have guided organizations through over $50 million in transformational initiatives, impacting millions nationwide.
A certified executive coach and seasoned academic, Dr. Corbett holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of San Diego. He has studied leadership at the University of Cambridge and New York University and has taught graduate-level courses in leadership and strategy at the University of San Francisco and the University of San Diego.
Dr. Corbett’s expertise bridges theory and practice. He is the author of Hope Is Not a Strategy: Leadership and Positioning in Health and Human Services—a strategic guide for leaders navigating complex organizational challenges—and the founder of The Nonprofit Edge, a leadership platform for nonprofit executives and community leaders.
His contributions to leadership and community development have earned recognition at both state and national levels, including the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award from California State Assemblymember Shirley Weber and a 2023 feature in USA Today for his impact as an academic leader and organizational strategist. Most recently, he received the 2025 Faculty Excellence Award from the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences. Dr. Corbett is a trusted advisor to those seeking meaningful, lasting change.