Giving is Good
When we think of “being courageous,” we tend to think of the social expressions of courage. From small acts to big, we think being courageous is something that happens in the context of other people. The courage to present to an audience. The courage to jump in an help during a catastrophe. The courage to…
When we decide to hold our annual donor stewardship event on a day that makes travel inconvenient for a significant portion of our donor base, whose needs are we serving? When we arrive late for a standing prospect management meeting and keep the other gift officers and team members waiting, whose needs are we serving?…
We could conduct our outreach to prospective donors via email or phone. We could invite our alumni via direct mail or social media. We could distribute our impact report digitally or hard copy. One option is not necessarily more or less effective than another. In some circumstances, outreaching via email may the wiser than using…
“What’s happening?” “What’s the latest?” “What’s going on?” “What’s new?” These are the questions, either verbalized or acted upon, that drive a good bit of human interaction and behavior. We greet people with various forms of these questions and, because of that, we act – at least partly – based on the responses. The reality,…
The biggest hurdle newer gift officers face is not how to effectively outreach to assigned donors or prospective donors. We have proven strategies and outreach approaches that increase the likelihood that gift officers can get their foot in the door. Instead, the biggest hurdle for most newer gift officers is their mental approach to first…
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…