Giving is Good
Yesterday and all the yesterdays of the past are untouchable and unchangeable. We can not unscramble eggs. Tomorrow and all the tomorrows of the future are unknowable and unpromised. We can only guess how thrown dice will land. At least for now, all we have real access to is the present. This moment. This activity. …
In most instances, leadership isn’t about having the answer. Speaking up doesn’t mean we must have the solution. Instead, facilitating the answer or solution is the more helpful way of thinking about good leadership. Who would be most helpful to be in the discussion? Where should the discussion take place? Who should invite those we…
Today, the family and friends of Cal Stoney will remember and celebrate his life – one that, clearly, was “well-lived.” I’m not sure we pause enough to think deeply about what that phrase should mean for us. But, as I think of Cal’s life, I see suggestions for us all. Seeking purpose and meaning –…
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…
One late night, weary from a string of delayed and frustrating flights I found myself arriving in Atlanta and heading to the car rental facility on an empty stomach. As I departed the secured area, I saw the IHOP Express restaurant and walked to the register. A young man working there didn’t make eye contact…
We’ve all been there. You are on a visit with a lapsed donor and after pleasantries are exchanged, the donor opens the flood gates and the issue that has them upset begins to pour out. Perhaps it was a perceived slight by the president or the CEO. Perhaps it was a decision that was made…
Endowed funds have three components: The Principal – or the original gift that is invested and not spent. Typically, the principal is invested and not spent “in perpetuity,” or forever (or as long as the organization exists). The Return – or the earnings and interest that the principal generates. Typically, the principal is invested in…
Applause from others shouldn’t be our goal, although it feels fantastic to receive. Engagement of others should be our goal, although it can feel messy and even difficult to obtain. When we seek applause, we put the focus on us, our team, our performance, our sense of perfection. We present statistics and stories that make…
It’s amazing how adapted human brains are to effortlessly catalogue each time we work hard, or we stay late, or we perform a task outside our job description, or we extend ourselves in some extra way. It’s equally amazing how adapted our brains are to minimize or forget altogether every time we loaf, or we…
I’ve watched in meetings as people’s eyes jumped to the corner of their laptop screens after hearing a faint notification bell. I’ve witnessed a gift officer turn her phone upside down on the table as the screen lit up only to have the buzz of vibrating notifications continue to capture the attention of everyone present….