In sports, the phrase, “eye discipline,” refers to the ability of an athlete to focus on the relevant and most important situational cues while not allowing their attention to be misdirected to irrelevant or misleading cues an opponent might offer.
Eye discipline is critical to reacting effectively and quickly based on what an opponent is attempting. Think of focusing on an opponent’s torso, instead of their head and shoulders, when defending in basketball.
We have a form of eye discipline that is important in advancement work, but not because our donors and colleagues are athletic opponents – they aren’t, of course.
Instead, our form of eye discipline is about focusing on the most helpful strategies, activities, tactics, and approaches, when the possibilities seem endless. For example, it can be easy to get misdirected into hosting a gala, when what your institution really needs is more charitable giving.
Here, then, are five questions to ask yourself to help keep “good eye discipline,” even when there are a lot of options:
- Does this strategy keep us and our donors focused on our mission in the most compelling way possible?
- Does this strategy connect those who are helping with those who are receiving in the most meaningful and uplifting ways possible?
- Does this strategy specifically encourage people to want to experience the joy of generosity more?
- Is this strategy the most efficient way to reach our primary goal?
- Can we make this strategy a tradition or repeat it so that our donors can plan for it in the future?
Developing advancement eye discipline is not complicated.
But it does take consistent application to advance our mission and exceed goals over the long-term.
