Build versus buy, a case for both: hiring and growing transformational leaders in WASH

Informed by the authors’ experiences and the latest research on leadership, management, and social innovation, this paper discusses success factors and constraints facing leadership in the development space. Specifically, issues around hiring, professional development, and growth are explored. The authors recommend three areas of investment for leadership development in WASH: hire competitively and invest in market-savvy people; invest in building a pipeline of talent and long-term growth of leaders; foster a nurturing environment for making and collaborating.