052. Influence and power in complex NGOs: leadership insights from John Samuel @ Oxfam
Summary
What is most difficult or challenging about operating as a leader in a place like Oxfam?
What does it take to lead from a political frame in NGOs?
Rational persuasion: is it overrated?
In this NGO Soul+Strategy podcast episode, I interview John Samuel, Oxfam Asia Regional Director on influence and power in complex NGOs. John is an expert on Organizational Development. He is also the founder of Bodhigram, an Indian grassroots social movement,
John’s Bio:
We discuss:
Quotes:
“Organizations are about people, systems, and power”
“An organization is a living system, it’s organic; an institution, on the other hand, is about systems”
“Humans are fundamentally relational, so you lead through people and relationships”
“Leadership is about communication acts, through language”
“Power is not what you have but what you are perceived to have” (Saul Lewinsky)
Resources:
John’s LinkedIn
Website of Bodhigram, the grassroots social movement founded by John
John’s blogs:
Dancing with dreams reflects part of the philosophy of Bodhigram
On leadership and language
John’s predictions for a 2030 future for INGOs
Youtube video of this podcast
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