Giving Compass' Take:

• Philanthropy Daily discusses the notion of power in nonprofit work, and how it can often make us lose sight of our higher ideals and mission.

• There are ways to create checks and balances on arrogance, and steps such as working with partners within a system (rather than alone) and soliciting more feedback will help.

• Here's more on how to liberate philanthropy by redistributing power and resources.

To put it starkly: research has shown that power literally causes brain damage. This means that the same qualities that made us want to be philanthropic in the first place start eroding as we are propelled into a position of communal power.

We become less and less connected with the realities of the people we are trying to serve, and we become less and less permeable to their feedback (in the rare cases when they dare to give real and honest feedback). Little by little, we start believing we are infallible and we react badly to criticism and challenges.

In order to succeed as philanthropists, we need to better understand and accept the views of those who are in positions of less relative power.

  • The first antidote to Hubris Syndrome is personal. Are there people in your life who keep you grounded, who help you see that you are being callous to others? If there aren’t, there should be.
  • Second: honest and timely feedback is critical.
  • Third: connect deeply with the people you are serving.
  • Fourth: never stop learning.
  • Fifth: work with partners and equals within a system rather than in isolation.

The power of funders in the modern economy is increasing, and we who wield it need to acknowledge its negative side effects. Not because we should extinguish that power, but because of its potential for good.

Read the full article about how to avoid philanthropic arrogance by Andres Spokoiny at Philanthropy Daily.

The power of funders in the modern economy is increasing, and we who wield it need to acknowledge its negative side effects. Not because we should extinguish that power, but because of its potential for good.

Read the full article by Andres Spokoiny published on Philanthropy Daily