Your Board wants you to raise more money.
Your boss wants more unrestricted gift income.
Your annual plan calls for an increase in new donors.
Name the area of focus. Name the goal. It most likely involves an increase.
It’s not uncommon for advancement professionals push back on those increased goals. “How can we do more?” “We are already working extremely hard.”
When goal increases are translated as, “you weren’t good enough before,” or, “you need to work harder,” people can grow disheartened and motivation can sink.
But, when increased goals are translated as, “those we serve need/deserve increased support,” people are encouraged to engage in the effort with more joy and creativity.
Burnout is real and resources must be in place to meet increased goals. But, how we view the reason behind increased goals (i.e., either as a negative for me and the team, or, as a positive for those we serve) is the first indicator of our satisfaction and, ultimately, our productivity.
