FOREWORD BY DR LINDA COOPER

Leaders, managers and adult educators in Africa and countries of the South often face difficulties in finding education materials that are both educationally sound as well as appropriate to our context.

This book, compiled by Frank Julie, will be an extremely valuable resource to those in non-profit organisations (NPO’s) who are wanting to develop their leadership potential and skills as well as those working in the field of training in organisation and leadership development.

The book combines a thoughtful, critical understanding of the theory and politics of leadership development with practical resources for effective skills development.

In addition, it is grounded in the history of organisation-building in the context of the developing world, and combines the collective wisdom of generations of organisation-builders with a sensitive understanding of the challenges of building new layers of leadership who will be able to take their organisations effectively into the future.

The book is written in an engaging and challenging style. It encourages its readers to rethink their assumptions and develop a critical ‘gaze’ not only on their organisations and social context, but also on themselves, and its holistic approach emphasises not only the politics of the organisation, but also the politics of ‘self’.

Adult education staff at the University of Cape Town have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Frank Julie, and we are very gratified to see him making this important contribution to the development of leadership in organisations.

Dr Linda Cooper
Senior Lecturer: Adult Education
Centre for Higher Education Development
University of Cape Town and
Board Chairperson of the International
Labour Research and Information Group (ILRIG)


Comments from other Leaders !!


“I think it's great! Thought provoking and very thorough. I especially liked parts 1, 2 and 3. You have given an amazing amount of information, theory and practical application on leadership in these sections. A great resource for all leaders, managers and facilitators. This is and will be a good contribution to NGO leadership…”
(Professor Tony Saddington, Steering Committee member of the International Consortium on Experiential Learning – ICEL)

Frank, your book on Leadership astounds me; it is brutally honest and direct, to the “T” as some would say. Through this book you not only speak to me, but also with me, through me. I could not stop nodding my head as I identified with its contents. Congratulations Frank, a good job done damn thoroughly well! This will not only give that almighty attitudes of some corporates a run for their money but also assist CBO’s, NPO’s and NGO’s who think they are not worthy to jack themselves up and get into the mentality of proficiency.” (Daphne Jansen, Executive Director, Mitchell’s Plain Network Opposing Women Abuse, Cape Town)

First of all let me congratulate you for the intensive exercise you have carried out for this book and for your efforts for publication. I have gone through the contents and it is really interesting. It’s a splendid attempt and more useful for upcoming researchers and leaders in all areas. (Dr. P Ramesh, M.A., Ph.D., University of Gokhale, Deccan Gymkhana, India)

“Nelson Mandela once said: 'By working together we can build the South Africa of our dreams'. Frank Julie puts this into practice, he is a regular networker who believes that sharing information and resources will benefit us all. The book commends itself through its profoundness. It touches on all the major subjects that NGO's need to know about, from capacity building to accountability, from fundraising to governance, from transparency to leadership, from management to communication.” (Martje Boerma – Executive Director: South African Foundation, The Netherlands)

“My colleagues and I have been astounded at the insight shown throughout this incredibly useful book. I would recommend any organization to peruse this tool within all sectors of their organization to gain a holistic understanding of how the world works.” (Carolyn Flinn – Fundraiser: DP Marais/Santa Centre, Bellville, South Africa)

“I would like to congratulate you for a good job you did. …I tell you the book is so wonderful, you have sited real experiences and what is happening in our working environment. I like the language which is very simple to understand for any target audience. ... you didn't talk only about South Africa’s experience. So keep it up my brother! I always dream to be an expert in this area of "management and leadership" like you, but I believe one day YES!!! Why not!!! (Isabella Neeso, Programme Assistant, Pahtfinder International, Tanzania)

“I have enjoyed the book. What I noticed is that the book is a healer. Once you read it you feel better. It gives strength and power to those who feel hopeless, confused and powerless because of the ups and downs in their organizations. It makes you awake, tells you the real truth that can be followed if your ambition is to build your organization and yourself. This book is not only focused on developing the organization, but it builds up individuals… This book is quite interesting and attractive and each page is impressing and you feel like reading it all the time. Frank, I must tell you: This is superb!” (Mavis Nduzulwana: Executive Director – Umanyano Lomama, Khayelithsa, South Africa)

“…the book is very good and educative. It is clear that it is written from a background of vast experience. You touch on a number of things that a lot of books do not touch on, mainly because you address a lot of issues based on what you have learnt when you worked in NGOs. Of all the things, I liked the chapter on Self-Management and Self- Development. Guess what, I have put up a sustainability plan for my organization and I used ideas I got from your book and workshop. As for the issue of Spiritual Resources, believe it or not, I had not heard about it before! It was such a discovery! (Lorato Moalusi, Senior Programmes Manager – Sakufiwa: Gaborone, Botswana)

“I was so stressed up this morning and happen to have decided to open your book. It eased up my tension. I was stressed up because I was busy thinking of the storming stage YONECO was going through; people becoming individualistic etc. But then your introduction on “The Art of Leadership and Management on the Ground”: "If no one is pissed-off with you then you are dead but just haven't figured it out yet!" These Frank were very encouraging words and I know I am pissed not because I am doing something wrong, but because it is a cause. Keep up writing such good stories. This motivated us.” (MacBain Mkandawire – Director: YONECO, Lilongwe, Malawi)

This book is the answer to every manager’s nightmare of how to cope with the ever increasing demands of his work, and yet at the same time wade through the sea of literature that is supposed to help him do it. Frank’s book is a concise, focused resource work. It shouts “Experience” from every page. It should be every manager’s handbook, as indispensable as his cell phone!” (Warner Stewart, Public Relations – Christel House, Cape Town, South Africa)

“This is a handbook all the leaders of today should have if ever their dream is to achieve a successful transformation! I was impressed by your practical examples e.g. the pregnant woman, and of course the inspiring poems.” Good job! (Sophie Hamadziripi – Executive Director: Mahube HIV/Aids Project – Polokwane, South Africa)

“I thought this book will just be another motivation drug for leaders, managers and NPO's, instead I embarked on a reflective journey of myself......my involvement with NPO's and my own personal destiny.” (Marileze Johannes, ex-RAG member and manager)

“… Congratulations on putting this much needed tool together. It is generally a really comprehensive piece of work that is a must read for everyone since we are all managers and leaders even at home!” (Debbie Kaddu-Serwadda: Director – Kampala, Uganda)

Insightful, informative and totally interesting! A how-to manual made simple; if you never thought you had it in you to LEAD this is your license. Take my advice and get one!! (Lerato Rose, Executive Assistant, Novalis Institute, Wynberg, South Africa)

The book is refreshing, insightful and to the point. I am privileged to have had Frank Julie as a leader and mentor. (Rusana Philander ex- Rag member and journalist)