Written by Mr. Abdul Rahman Khamis

CEO of the “Follow a Cause” Foundation for Charitable and Development Works 

 

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God created man and assigned him a leadership role on earth. Just as Sharia law has been prescribed as an imam for Muslims, so institutions need a leader who will guide them towards their goals and influence the human element in a positive way..
People are not machines to be managed. With orders, but beings full of feelings and motives. Hence the importance of conscious leadership and successful management that improves dealing with people and invests in their abilities to achieve progress and development..

Peter Drucker, the pioneer of management science, said:
"Any institution of any kind has one real resource, which is man.."

 

The importance of leadership in civil work

Civil work is not a limited charitable activity, but rather a fundamental pillar for the stability of societies and the protection of their identity.
Therefore, leadership in this field is a legal and societal duty, because it builds strong institutions capable of facing challenges.

As Margaret Mead says:
"You should have no doubt that a small group of believers in action can change the world."

 

The difference between leadership in the for-profit and non-profit sectors

·      In for-profit organizations: Management is measured by the size of profits and gains.

      In non-profit organizations: Measured by efficiency and social impact.

Therefore, civil society work needs conscious leadership that manages human and financial resources in the best way to achieve a sustainable impact.

 

The Problem of Emotionality in Giving

Many people react to disasters emotionally and make large donations, but stop when they are asked to support long-term development projects such as building schools or health centers.
Here the difference between:

·     Emotional Giving: Immediate and short-term effect.

      Strategic Bidding: Long-term and achieves real development.

 

The need for scientific planning and management

Good intentions are not enough. Successful civil work requires:

      Strategic planning.

      Scientific Administration.

      Capable leadership.

Many charitable projects fail despite the sincerity of intentions due to the absence of these elements.

 

Practical recommendations for NGOs

1.Investing in qualifying youth leaders with administrative and leadership skills.

2.Adopting strategic planning methodologies instead of emotional reactions.

3.Focus on sustainable giving through long-term development projects.

 

Conclusion

Leadership and management are not just skills, but rather a legal duty and a civilized requirement. The advancement of societies begins with transforming random efforts into organized institutional action, based on a clear vision and effective leadership..

And as the Sharia rule says:
"Whatever does not complete an obligation is an obligation."

 

If reforming society is a duty, then effective leadership and management is an indispensable means. Therefore, everyone who works in the civil sphere must combine good intentions and useful knowledge so that his giving is sustainable and effective.