Fundraising Leadership ™

Executive Coaching, Leadership Training, and Personal Development

Reflect Before Saying Yes

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Recently I was preparing to facilitate a strategic planning session for a not-for-profit board. This had me reflecting on my past board experiences, which have ranged from a large international association to a local chapter.

As diverse as these experiences can be, one commonality remains. To be an effective board member you need to devote a significant amount of time and energy. And you need to decide where to best place your attention. The same is true in the workplace.

This is where a simple and powerful coaching concept can help: Saying Yes, Saying No.

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A is for Accountability

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A key topic among fundraising leaders is how to ensure that your team gets important things done without feeling like you are micro-managing the process.

In fact, fostering a culture of accountability within your team is a key skill for all managers. It aligns perfectly with the coaching style of leadership.
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Magical Realism – Recognising Special Talents

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My book club recently read an unusual novel – The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender.

As I was searching for discussion questions for our book club meeting, I came across this phrase “magical realism” which means a genre that combines mythical elements into realistic fiction.

One of the things I found most compelling about this book was that the main character’s unusual gift (Rose tastes people’s emotions in food they prepare) quickly became commonplace. As other character’s gifts were revealed I was reminded just how magical Rose was.
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What Did You Appreciate in 2016?

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For many fundraisers the month of December can be a time to appreciate others. Making thank you calls to donors. Writing messages on the stacks of holiday cards being sent to donors, board members and volunteers. Spending time with colleagues during holiday parties and potlucks.

Since it is often a busy time of year – both professionally and personally – you might suddenly find yourself facing the New Year and thinking about those resolutions. Or just wondering where the year has gone.
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The Three As to Impactful Performance Reviews

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Recently I attended a panel presentation that included an HR representative from a large hospital foundation. This organization is moving towards a coaching-style of management. One of the major decisions they made was to do away with annual performance reviews. The audience audibly and positively reacted to this decision, which is not surprisingly since performance reviews are often dreaded by both managers and staff alike.
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