This article was originally published on IDR
India’s social sector works towards addressing complex challenges in poverty, inequality, education, healthcare, gender, and sustainability, to name a few areas. Middle-level leadership is essential for managing teams, translating organisational vision into actionable strategies, and ensuring the efficient implementation of programs for social purpose organisations (SPOs).
The social sector encounters several roadblocks in attracting middle-level talent from the private sector due to the perception challenges it faces. To overcome this, it is important to build a shared narrative for the sector that portrays it in the desired light, substantiated by stories of real impact and innovation. By focusing on inventive solutions, inspiring success stories, and the tangible impact on communities, the sector can redefine how it is perceived and experienced.
About the Author
Dr Rajneesh Chowdhury leads the Centre of Excellence for Leadership at ILSS. A distinguished professional with over two decades of experience, his expertise spans management consulting, lifelong learning, social impact, and strategic communications. He played a pivotal role in designing and launching a master’s program in systems thinking and leadership for the UK civil service at the Birmingham Leadership Institute, University of Birmingham. Rajneesh holds an MA in Sociology, an MSc, and a PhD in Systems Thinking. He is the author of two books and several peer-reviewed publications and has been appointed a Fellow at the Centre for Systems Studies (UK) for his contributions to systems thinking and practice.
