I can't say enough about Pat's passion and how this is the key to the success that YBG has had over the past several years. First and foremost, Pat is a man who is completely consumed by the mission to prevent homelessness by finding permanent families for teenagers in foster care. Listening to more of his story today, I am amazed at the personal sacrifices that he had to make in order for his dream to come true (things like working as a volunteer for the first few years, having an office which was no more than room for a desk and a chair in an attic with no heat or air conditioning, being told no more times than yes with grant proposals and licensing requests, etc.) Nobody without complete commitment to a dream would be willing to endure so much to make something happen.
There is never any question as to where Pat stands in regards to mission. His responses are consistent with his belief system and never change.
In addition, there is a great deal of respect and trust between Pat and his staff and board. I'm sure he has some idiocyncracies that aren't always their preference, but they trust that he is going to do things consistent with the mission and always without his own self-interest in mind.
He is completely focused on his mission and while I don't know that anyone could maintain his intensity or go at his pace, that kind of leadership inspires people to do more. The one thing on his mind first and foremost is preventing homelessness by finding permanent families for kids. I have often suggested things to him to only have him respond, though not exactly in these words, "that would take away my time from the mission."
With a leader like that who has proven with his time, energy and personal sacrifice over years that his life focus is the mission of the organization is the beginning of any great agency.
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