Recently, I visited with one of our newest consultants at Gonser Gerber, Robert Driver. Robert has a long history of both healthcare and higher education experience in development and he made an interesting point as we were talking about how we can help development leaders become more effective. He said: “I think a lot of…
Month: May 2012
Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plans – A Golf Analogy
You know that mission, vision, and strategic planning are key components to raising serious money. But it’s not always easy to articulate clear definitions for each. To help us more clearly define and understand mission, vision, and strategic planning I like using a golf analogy. Imagine you have just stepped into the tee-box and are getting yourself ready…
The 5 Be’s of Better Leadership
Many have the mistaken belief that leaders should “do” more. But the opposite actually is true: Leaders should “be” more. 1. Be reflective. Slow down. If you find yourself regularly thinking, “I just don’t have time,” you are most likely focused on doing more as opposed to being more. Schedule time away from the hustle…
The ROIs of Advisory Boards
If your institution is like most, members of your advancement team help to plan, implement, and engage an advisory board of some sort. Perhaps it is an alumni board, a parents’ council, an programmatic advisory board, or an institution-wide advisory board. Whatever the form, these groups take valuable time, energy, and resources from the staff…
Responsibility and Accountability
The good leader is not responsible for everything that happens. She encourages and directs team members so that they grow into the best, most effective versions of themselves. She engages volunteers so that their passions are realized through their efforts on behalf of the institution. She manages those to whom she reports so that they…
Helping Others See The Whole Triangle
You are in year 3 of a 5 year campaign. Things have gone well to date, the Quiet Phase exceeded goals. But now, suddenly there has been a slowdown in commitments. Perhaps a major gift proposal wasn’t fully funded. Perhaps you received a “not right now” answer from another prospect. And, perhaps, there are at…