If we want to raise more money, we can focus on our dollar goal. Or, better yet, we can focus on our compelling vision for the future.
If we want to grow our donor base, we can focus on adding another solicitation to the calendar. Or, better yet, we can invite current donors to use their networks and champion our giving day event.
If we want more people to show up at our signature event, we can send out more invitations. Or, better yet, we can engage a group of dedicated volunteers to help plan the event.
Over and over, important advancement work is achieved not because we take the most efficient, straightforward, or direct approach.
Instead, we reach our advancement goals best when we focus on what truly matters to humans – honoring relationships, creating connection, enhancing the sense of shared ownership, and promoting the goodness of generosity.
The important advancement outcomes we seek follow as a happy byproduct.
In most situations, doing the indirect but meaningful work of communicating a compelling vision consistently while leaning deeply into donor and volunteer relationships will lead us to the achievement of our most important advancement goals far better than pursuing straightforward, goal-oriented tasks.
