Building on the success of last year’s event, the 2024 Human Services Summit at Harvard brought together more than 65 leaders from over 30 states for an enlightening and inspiring gathering at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in October. Themed “Leadership in Dynamic Times,” the summit explored strategies for leading with vision and resilience in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Visionary leaders, industry experts, and Harvard Business School faculty led engaging discussions, workshops, and case study presentations designed to help attendees transform human services, refine their leadership skills, and build capacity for meaningful change.
The event was hosted by the Change & Innovation Agency (C!A) in partnership with the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard and Leadership for a Networked World. Together, they aimed to inspire and equip leaders with the tools needed to drive innovation and generative growth in the human services sector. Here are some of the key leadership lessons shared during the summit:
Invest in Innovation
A case study on Stanley Black & Decker highlighted the critical role of innovation in organizational success. The case emphasized the importance of identifying the right innovation strategy – whether through incremental improvements or bold, transformative changes – and ensuring that organizations have the necessary processes and mindset in place to bring those innovations to life. In human services, this means creating space for both core innovations that refine current practices and radical innovations that challenge traditional approaches to service delivery.
Embrace Experimentation and Adaptability
A powerful case study from Albuquerque, New Mexico, illustrated how the city’s police department, mayor, and community leaders overcame a major breakdown in trust through a transformative approach to public safety. The case reinforced the importance of trying new approaches, being adaptable in the face of obstacles, and maintaining open, transparent communication with all stakeholders – even when resistance comes from within. The lesson: Leaders must be willing to experiment, learn from missteps, and continuously evolve.
Lead with Courage and Conviction
In her session on courageous leadership, Nancy Koehn, author of Forged in Crisis: The Power of Courageous Leadership in Turbulent Times, emphasized the need for leaders to remain true to their values, especially in times of social upheaval. Koehn argued that effective leadership requires a strong sense of purpose – one that aligns with a leader’s deepest convictions – and the courage to act in service of that purpose despite opposition. In the context of human services, this includes standing firm in advocating for vulnerable populations, even when faced with external pressures.
In today’s fast-changing world, strong leadership is more important than ever – especially in the human services sector. Leaders must navigate shifting policies, manage funding uncertainties, and address evolving societal needs, all while remaining resilient, innovative, and prepared to take action. As highlighted at the Human Services Summit, bold, decisive leaders who invest in their core mission, embrace innovation, and communicate transparently are best positioned to enrich their organizations, serve vulnerable communities, and drive transformative change.
