What Matters More Than Education? Passion, Responsibility and Worldview

by Rosetta Thurman · 2009-09-30 15:31:00 UTC
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This morning I was at Walden University's annual Social Change Conference in Washington, DC. Over 200 social entrepreneurs, students, and nonprofit leaders packed the ballroom at the National Press Club. Cheryl Dorsey, President of Echoing Green, was one of the keynote speakers. Since 1987, Echoing Green has provided seed funding and support to more than 470 social entrepreneurs with bold ideas for social change in order to launch groundbreaking organizations around the world. After giving her opening remarks, Cheryl was asked by a member of the audience, "what makes social entrepreneurs successful?" While her answer pertained to the social change agents she selects for Echoing Green fellowships, her advice also rang true for nonprofit jobseekers. What will make you successful as you present yourself for leadership positions? It's not educational pedigree, according to Cheryl Dorsey. There are three, more important components.

Passion

I will bet on a passionate leader any day of the week. Someone who lives and breathes their issue. Someone who, at dinner parties, only wants to talk about the good work they are doing.

Responsibility

I think the human capital component is most important, someone who wakes up everyday and takes responsibility for a particular problem. Every social entrepreneur has a "moment of obligation" where they realize that they HAVE to do something to make change.

Worldview

Since our early days as humans, we've had a scarcity mindset. Even now, many of us tend to look at everything as a problem to be solved. Social entrepreneurs have an asset-based worldview in that they see challenges as opportunities.

Where do you fall in line with Cheryl's observations? Have you had success in showcasing these qualities in yourself?

Want more advice from Echoing Green? Tune in to their bi-weekly podcast on creating a life with meaningful impact.

Photo Credit: foreversouls

Rosetta Thurman
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