How do leaders know they’re focusing on the most important things? Is there a formula for dividing time between cultivation, asking, and thanking donors? If you are in a role that primarily exists to grow giving to an organization and you will be interacting with givers, then that is people-oriented work. The currency you are […]
Harness the Power of Time
Learning how to maximize and prioritize your hours is critically important. Effective time management does not come naturally to most people. Many must learn, practice, refine, and improve time management skills over time. I am the least naturally oriented person to everything that I’m about to show you. My awareness of what does (and doesn’t) […]
ReNEWed Energy = ReGAINed Movement
I want to look deeper at how to feel better by creating better systems for yourself as a leader. We get this sense of being overwhelmed and anxious because we are unsure where to go next. We have this nagging feeling that we are not as focused or energized as we should be. We don’t […]
Work Smarter, Not Harder | Limits of Leadership
Let me give you a framework to think about using your capacity. Imagine your junk drawer at home. The larger the junk drawer, the more junk you will find to put in there. Eventually, you will fill it up and go to junk drawer 2.0. There will always be junk to fill the drawer. Capacity […]
Work Smarter, Not Harder | Maximize Your Calendar’s Potential
Picture your calendar. What’s the first thing you see in your mind’s eye? Is it a due date? An upcoming party or birthday celebration? The start of a new semester? Time management research shows that the majority of stress and feelings of overwhelm are due to the next two weeks on a person’s calendar. Knowing […]
Giving | How to Talk the Talk
Leaders in development are aware there are deficits – costs that must be covered and debts that must be paid. This is not, however, what donors are interested in hearing. What’s an organization to do? What Do We Focus On? It’s important not to think or talk in percentages – even internally – about development. […]
Shaped by Sway
As humans, we cling to what is tangible when defining our success. In the world of advancement, it’s tempting to measure success by funds raised and the number of zeros before the decimal point. But, to get to the top, we look at the bottom line. Development is the work of raising money. We must […]
Virtual Vision
Have you ever purchased a lawnmower and then decided you’d rather use it as a shower curtain? Probably not. Form follows function – in more ways than one. You’ve heard us advocate for hiring better rather than hiring often. What does that mean when you hire an individual for an office position and they’re now […]
Redefining Success | Navigating COVID-19
Many of you have reached out with the same basic, but ever so complicated, question: What do we do now? Although many things remain to be sorted out, we have three important steps for you and your organizations to take today for a stronger tomorrow. Update Timelines At this point we have no way of […]
4 Simple Questions for Complicated Seasons
Too much to do, too little time. Sound familiar? For most leaders, end of year can be a stressful time. With mere days left in the giving year and calendars filling up with holiday celebrations and obligations, December can be a tricky month to navigate. It doesn’t have to be. At all times, but especially […]
Intentionality Precedes Progress
Tips for Effective Follow-Up People are constantly looking for ways to be more effective. I’ll give you two words to instantly increase productivity in your ministry: follow-up. Focused, intentional follow-up gives purpose and shows priority. The Getting Things Done method, penned by David Allen, is a great inspiration to me. Here are a couple tips […]
Breakthrough Barriers
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself if you are the greatest barrier to your ministry’s breakthrough? In this video, Zach Clark, Founder and CEO of Development and Leadership Coaching, shares some thoughts to change your paradigm for giving. Redirect your thinking, refocus, and get back on track!
Don’t Just Fill Your Time, Maximize It!
Development Assistant Essentials Whether your ministry is introducing a Development Assistant, or expanding your program staff, there must be a clear and focused list of priorities. Work will expand or contract to fill the time available. Today I want to share four ways to streamline development assistant tasks to best benefit your efforts. Instant gratification. […]
Coaching with Zach: Why You Don’t Have Enough Giving
An inside glimpse at a coaching conversation about the challenges a leader is facing with scheduling time with potential donors as well as seeing enough money raised to achieve their goals by deadline.
4 Ways to Stop Being Overwhelmed and Get Things Done
The reality today for anyone in a leadership role is that more is being expected for less. I want to give you 4 principles to help you not just get things done, but get the RIGHT things done. 1. Measure your capacity to meet with people rather than all of the projects you are working […]
The Most Effective Way to Waste Your Time
Email is best utilized as a tool in our arsenal. Not our primary leadership method.
How to Maximize Your Return on Your Time Invested
Maximizing the value of what we already have in our circle of influence is one of the key opportunities we each have in our organizations. Read on for ways you can apply this approach.
