Why are we holding that special event?
Why are we sending that specific direct mail piece?
Why did we request that particular list of donors?
Why are we reaching out to our donors via phone?
Why do we want to meet with that donor couple next month?
Why are we highlighting that alumnus in our e-newsletter?
Advancement folk are quick to tell others how busy we are. Yet, I find that we sometimes forget to ask the simplest yet most important question about all the work we are doing.
Why?
What’s the primary purpose? What specific outcomes are we seeking from this work? How are we expecting this work to help our cause and mission?
“It’s hard to find time when we’re so busy just keeping up,” is a quick response when it is revealed no one is asking “why” consistently.
But, that’s the point.
It’s not about keeping up with all the work.
It’s about advancing the cause with the most effective work.
Today, pause at least once to ask, “why are we doing X?”
