Have you ever planned for a long vacation with your family? Different family members have different takes on what “planning” looks like. Some consider remembering toothpaste to be above and beyond, while another individual who shall remain nameless would label socks if given a chance. Who do you think everyone goes to on day two […]
5 Numbers to Know in the New Year
The start of a new year is when people are driven and willing to sit down and look at what’s working and what needs to be reworked. A clean slate is more than just exciting – it’s a prime opportunity to clarify who your organization is and what it stands for, allowing for disciplined planning. […]
The Power of Thoughtful Leaders Using Artificial Intelligence
In the waning days of 2022, we formed a Task Force at Development & Leadership Coaching to consider a specific question. How should generative AI be utilized by leaders who seek to grow significant giving and unlock the hidden capacity in their faith-based organizations? This position paper captures the latest thinking of our team on […]
Inform to Impact
Development is a journey of moving from treating everyone equally to treating everyone individually. You’re never going to do that perfectly. You’re never going to be able to treat all people individually ideally, but you always want to be moving toward that. One step in the right direction would be to use input and feedback […]
Facing the New Year
As we embark on our next year together, it’s important to point out the value of the face-to-face meeting. In our world, there are countless ways to communicate without actually connecting. At DLC, we’re focused on building and growing relationships. Guess what? So are your donors! Efficient communication has its time and place. Effective communication […]
Engaging Endowments
“Endowment” is a harsh word for many, but it need not be. I suggest, instead, we think of it as an allowance. When our boys were younger, they completed certain chores around the house as part of our family. In return, they received a small allowance. Knowing they would most likely complete their assigned tasks […]
What’s Your Type?
Years ago I adopted a strategy when addressing board members in a way that’s direct but gentle, effective but compassionate. When working with board members who serve at schools, a colleague of mine likes to ask new board members how many children they have attending the school. As most parents do, a smile will spread […]
The Core 4
How can you know where you’re going when you don’t know where you are? The same holds true in reverse! Paying attention to the CORE FOUR will keep you on track!
Reminders for Relating
Little nudges make for big impacts in the minds of your donors. In the unknown, make sure current and past givers know where your ministry stands…and how to stand by you!
5 Wrongs Don’t Make a Right
Do you learn more from success or failure? I am a firm believer in the power of using what went wrong to make something go right. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid.
Covered NOT Cancelled
Ecclesiastes 7:21 states in part, “Do not take to heart all the things people say…” Ignoring what others say about something or someone you care about has always been easier said than done, but never more so than in these past few months. Divisions from cultural movements have swept the news cycle, filled our social […]
Clear Skies Ahead | Flying Above Overwhelm
I’ve always been mystified with flight. The fact that those who came before us were so bold as to see the birds of the sky and think, “Hey, we can do that!” is astounding in its own right. Add to it that two young, adventurous, North Carolina boys made that dream a reality blows my […]
Idea of Stress
Anxiety takes many forms, but it all comes back to wanting MY will over THY will. Learning to differentiate between GOOD & BAD stress can make all the difference.
Battle Ready
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. It’s vital for your ministry to evaluate what you want your impact to be as you move forward into the unknown
Choose Your Battles
Do you find yourself discounting your opportunities before they even happen because the donor prospect is difficult? It’s time to move past that way of thinking.
Creating a High Impact Board
In real relationships you talk about things that are important to you. That’s how you know a real relationship from others. Let’s look at 3 WAYS to get REAL with your board to make REAL change.
Keep Moving Forward
Leaps of faith are thrilling in movies, but not in business. There is, however, something to be said for moving forward with purpose, on purpose.
Leaders are Learners
What is you were as open to learning as you ask interns to be? What impact could that have on your ministry? Join me as we find out!
Prospect Planning
While it would be wonderful to move a thousand or more people along, the reality is we’re capable of shepherding 200 people at one time. It’s time to focus.
New Rhythm, New Flow
New normal. Out with the old. In with the new. Catch phrases may grab attention, but they don’t keep it. Here’s our take on shifting the paradigm in development.