Effective Leadership in the Charity Sector: Key Takeaways from Harriet Linfoot | The People Performance Podcast
Introduction
In a recent episode of The People Performance Podcast, T2 Founder and CEO Martin Johnson was joined by Harriet Linfoot (formerly Harriet Johnson) a seasoned professional with 17 years of experience in the charitable sector. This engaging conversation explored the unique dynamics of leading in an environment driven by purpose rather than profit. Harriet shared her experiences, the challenges faced by the sector, and the profound rewards of making a difference in the community.
Who is Harriet Linfoot?
Harriet Linfoot is a dedicated professional with a long history of working in the charitable sector. Her career began in wildlife conservation, and she then transitioned into roles focused on community and volunteer work. Notably, she managed the volunteer programme for the City of Culture in Hull, where she oversaw a team of 2,500 volunteers. Harriet then went on to run a place-based leadership programme that supports leaders in the charitable sector in Hull and East Yorkshire. In 2022 she founded Yorkshire-based flower farm, ‘Gathered at Dusk’.
Key Takeaways from the Podcast
The podcast episode provided several key insights into the charitable sector and effective leadership:
Purpose-Driven Work: Harriet emphasises that working in the charitable sector is deeply rewarding, although it may not be financially lucrative. She states, "When you put your energy into that, that reward is very high." The work is driven by a sense of purpose and the desire to make a difference in people's lives.
The Importance of Collaboration: Collaboration is crucial for the sustainability and effectiveness of charitable organisations. Harriet highlights the increasing trend of charities working together to secure funding and maximise their impact.
Leadership in the Charitable Sector: Leading volunteers requires a unique approach. Harriet stresses the importance of clear communication, setting high standards, and recognising the contributions of volunteers.
The Role of Businesses: Businesses can play a vital role in supporting the charitable sector through funding, providing resources, and offering expertise. Harriet emphasises that this support is crucial for the sector's growth and impact.
“I want to assure you that you can run a business and put the planet and people before profit.”
A Story of Community and Pride
One of the most impactful stories from the podcast was when Martin Johnson spoke at an event for the City of Culture volunteers. He shared that after his talk, many volunteers expressed their pride in him as a local who had achieved success. This highlighted the deep connection volunteers have with their community and their pride in contributing to its success. It also illustrated the power of local connection and representation in community work.
The Future of the Charitable Sector
The podcast also addressed the challenges facing the charitable sector, particularly regarding sustainability. With the rising cost of living, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to pursue careers in this sector, which often offers lower pay. Additionally, there is a growing trend among younger generations to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship rather than traditional public service roles. This poses a challenge for the future sustainability of the charitable sector.
Why You Should Listen and Watch
The podcast episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the charitable sector, leadership, or making a positive impact in their community. It is particularly relevant for:
Charity Professionals: Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and effective strategies for leading in the sector.
Business Leaders: Discover how businesses can contribute to and partner with charitable organisations for mutual benefit.
Volunteers: Learn about the importance of their role and how to maximise their impact.
Anyone with a desire to make a difference: Find inspiration and practical advice on how to get involved in charitable work.