Equip the Flip Initiative
A Leadership Framework for Next Generation Leaders and Organizations
About the Initiative
Equip the Flip, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is an initiative of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) and Social Current to identify and promote leadership competencies for the next generation of public and private human services leaders.
It seeks to advance a new leadership paradigm that reflects the strengths and challenges leaders face during times of constraint and disruption. The framework centers people and community and underscores the importance of connection, clarity, and continuous support for sustainable impact.
The Competencies
Visionary Impact
The ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision for the equitable future of people and communities served by the organization and inspire people to act on that vision.
Participatory Design
The ability to create the conditions for strategic plans to be co-designed, empowering the community in furthering community-led goals.
Workforce Well-Being
The ability to model and actively promote well-being for all staff, building a productive, inclusive team that works in partnership with all people and communities.
Generative Partnerships
The ability to foster partnerships that advance community-led solutions and, together, generate new possibilities, resources, and improved outcomes.
Cultural Belonging
The ability to embrace and honor the authenticity of an individual and their own cultural experiences and practices.
Operational Impact
The ability to manage the organization’s resources and operations in service of community outcomes.
Political Literacy
The ability to build the capacity necessary for engaging and understanding government affairs, policy work, and advocacy efforts, and legislative affairs.
Co-Created with Leaders
The seven leadership competencies include skills and practices to address structural barriers and create conditions to foster a culture of collaboration and effectively share resources when addressing cross-sector challenges.
This set of leadership competencies was co-created through national dialogue with 200 leaders from 46 states. Representing community-based organizations, public agencies, and people with lived experience, participants contributed their real-world experience and wisdom.
These competencies define what leadership looks like when it centers equity, trust, and collective impact. They are designed to evolve traditional leadership into a powerful force for belonging and sustainable change.
Advancing a New Paradigm
Lessons learned about advancing a new leadership paradigm:
- Build strong foundations for connection and collaboration.
- Make time and provide support for implementation of the competencies.
- Support and amplify the voices of lived experience.
- Transparency and inclusive decision-making was emphasized as key to trust building.
- Accountability and adaptability in systems and frameworks.
- Create inclusive work cultures.
- Address misconceptions in leadership and community engagement.
Learn more about Social Current’s Leadership and Organizational Development solutions.