Executive Coaching, Leadership Training, and Personal Development
I coach many fundraising professionals who are considering the next step in their career and what they really want is a job that is right for them. A job that is fulfilling, that aligns with their purpose, that challenges them, and brings out the best in them.
The journey to the right job starts with understanding your unique values, the intangibles that represent your unique essence. Your values are the compass that points you to the place where you can be true to yourself. [Read more…]
What is the secret to being in a relationship and creating magic? How can you improve the way you show up in relationships, and the way you connect with others?
I boarded the bus and found a seat in the last row, next to two young people who were chatting away. I sat there observing them… I was struck by their relationship. Looking at each other’s eyes, they listened to each other, sitting close together. Each one’s body posture shifted as if reflecting on the other, and their voices alternated in a kind of conversational dance. Watching them confirmed to me that there is an art to being in a relationship.
In the marketplace for fundraiser talent, we know that demand currently outstrips supply. Consequently, advancement and development leaders often say that one of the most significant challenges they face is the hiring and retention of fundraising talent. While the economic forces of supply and demand are putting upward pressure on salaries, a common misconception about fundraiser recruitment and retention is that it’s “all about the money.” That’s a management and leadership cop-out.
January is well underway, and perhaps some of the good intentions (or resolutions) you made are feeling like a distant memory. It is a good time to pause and reflect on what you want 2018 to be like.
Here are ten tips to help you work smarter and achieve your goals and dreams this year. [Read more…]
What would it feel like if you gave to others? Imagine devoting a brief space of time each day to giving to others; being of service to them; sharing. With one important proviso: this is giving without expecting anything in return.
My day couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. A donor called me early in the morning and unexpectedly asked me out to lunch. Within moments, that magical call had me smiling from ear to ear, filling me with energy. Receiving is one of life’s great pleasures; of course we all like being on the receiving end. We like it that someone else thought of us, and made that clear with a warm and generous gesture. Nevertheless, not only does receiving depend on others; it also doesn’t last forever.
This week’s blog is by our good friend, Alizah Epstein, who is the Founder and CEO of the Epstein Creative Group. Alizah’s firm supports mission-driven organizations that improve their communities, especially those nonprofits that focus on women’s and children’s issues. In this post, Alizah shares some great insights for curing fundraising event fatigue.
Yesterday I was on a group video call with fellow volunteers from a leadership mentoring program. During our ‘check in’ the topic of the holidays emerged. It was interesting to witness the different reactions and perspectives. Many were excited and enjoying the magic of the season. Some commented that people can seem more rattled during this time of year. Others were eager to opt out altogether.
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In his 2002 business classic, The Five Dysfunction of a Team, Patrick Lencioni describes “Avoidance of Accountability” as one of the core behaviors that teams exhibit when they are dysfunctional. In Pat’s words: “In the context of teamwork…it refers specifically to the [un]willingness of team members to call their peers on performance or behaviors that might hurt the team.” [Read more…]
Having a marketing packet to attract your corporate sponsors is essential in helping them support your event or cause. And yet, marketing collateral alone is not enough! Sponsors need you to personally enroll them in the possibilities (and realities) that you and your organization are creating in the world. Yes, they may want to be associated with your project. More importantly, they want to be associated with you. That tandem is key.
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What images come to mind when you think of a leader? Do you imagine a visionary who has attached a large following? Or do you connect the idea of leadership to certain job titles? Perhaps you only define yourself as a leader if you have people reporting to you. I think it is quite common to see leaders as those out in front or at the top of an organization.
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