People talk a lot about “building trust,” within a team or with donors. As if it is physical scaffolding that can be built for people to operate within. I think a better analogy is “giving trust,” because trust is something we all have at our disposable. We don’t have to build it. It can be…
Author: Jason McNeal
On Being a Fanatic
The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team played yesterday in the “Elite Eight” of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament – otherwise known as “March Madness.” This means that out of 351 Division 1 men’s basketball programs, there are only eight teams left playing basketball. And one will become the national champion. In the…
Mission, Vision, and Values
The words of our mission statement are less important than how consistently we use our mission to make budgetary decisions. The directions described in our vision statement are less important than how enthusiastically we use our vision to invite donors to give. The specific virtues expressed in our values statement are less important than how…
The Decision-Making Process
Leaders have 3 types of decision-making approaches from which they can choose. They can be: Leaders who allow others to make the decision. Leaders who make the decision without listening to the perspectives of others. Leaders who make the decision after listening to the perspectives of others. Let’s use the hiring of a gift officer…
The Un-Asked Question About Campaign Readiness Studies
Our firm regularly helps institutions prepare for major, multi-year fundraising campaigns. One of the most requested services we provide is what we call our Campaign Readiness Study. These studies are comprehensive, thorough, and typically include anywhere from 50-75 confidential interviews with the client’s most capable and engaged donors. In addition, we review all kinds of…
“You Should Run Your Business More Like a Nonprofit!”
It is fairly common to have smart, engaged volunteer Board members complain that our institutions should be “run more like a business!” You may have even heard colleagues and administrative leaders at your institution sharing similar sentiments. Perhaps that sentiment has merit. But, the reverse is also worth exploring. What if a business was “run…
Can I Be Better?
In most instances, the objective answer is, “yes.” I can be better at understanding and acknowledging my biases. I can be better at listening to others. I can be better at my job from a technical standpoint. I can be better with staying consistent with productive habits and minimizing unproductive ones. I can be better….
Becoming More Human
Like you, I sometimes wonder how A.I., and other technologies generally will impact our world, work, relationships, and lives in 25 or 50 years from now. What will the future be like? I don’t have a crystal ball. I’m no technology futurist like Ray Kurzweil. But I do wonder if a big, important part of…
Work Prioritization
The challenge of personal work prioritization hinges on 3 basic questions: Should I do this or not? In other words, will investing myself, my time, and my resources into this activity likely lead to the outcome I desire? When should I do this? If the answer to the first question is “yes, it’s worth my…
Loving The Idea
Loving the idea we are implementing is important. Without our enthusiasm, the donor may not stretch his giving nearly as much. Without our energy, phonathon callers won’t be nearly as productive. Without our creative initiative, the special event won’t be nearly as captivating. But we should love our ideas only up to a point. And…