A Board member wants to plan a gala to raise more money, but shows little interest in introducing their wealthy friend to your cause.
Your CEO wants more gift income, but shows little interest in inviting donors to give herself.
An influential donor wants his name on a building, but shows little interest in making a gift that reaches the minimum amount threshold for that recognition.
Your major gifts officer colleague wants accurate gift reports, but shows little interest in helping to ensure that pledge documents contain correct information.
Processes, tactics, strategies, even goals can distract us from what really matters.
Hidden distractions are those that are in plain sight and seem like legitimate, helpful discussions, but really mask our own interests or wants.
Every day we get distracted with discussions about processes, tactics, strategies, and goals and lose focus on the importance of our mission and how we can serve more and better.
If you find yourself in an advancement discussion and it feels like the primary narrative is being lost or hidden, ask the following question:
“What can each of us do to best help our cause and those we serve?”
It’s never really about what we want, even if we work hard to distract ourselves from that fact.
