Why Respecting Roles Strengthens Development Programs

September 2024

Back in Amman, I am reconnecting with friends and acquaintances to catch up on what I missed while I was away. This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Thoqan Obeidat, Jordan's renowned education and curriculum expert. During our conversation, we reflected on a recent news incident where non-expert leaders took on technical matters despite lacking the necessary expertise. Later in the morning, I attended an online workshop where an administrative team member had difficulty presenting the design and outcomes of a specialized 10-year skill-building project to an international expert audience. The presentation primarily focused on secondary organizational details and processes. Conversely, a friend leading technical design and implementation at a specialized organization expressed concern about its future. With the program’s funding ending and his soon departure, only administrative staff would remain, threatening the organization’s survival. These scenarios prompted me to share with you some thoughts on the vital team roles in development organizations.

Both administrative and technical roles are equally essential. Administrative staff manage coordination, data analytics, logistics, and budgeting, providing the necessary support for program and project success. However, it is crucial that administrative roles do not overshadow or disregard the expertise of the technical leads. Technical leads bring the specialized knowledge and experience needed for informed decision-making and effective implementation. Administrative support should complement, not compete with, this expertise. As my friend wisely noted, the presence and growth of development organizations and their impact depend on the technical expertise within them.

My advice: Clearly define and respect roles within your organization to enhance teamwork and achieve the best outcomes.

If you are around, I would be delighted to (re)connect!

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