A Hike to Inspiration Point

I had the great fortune last week of attending two days of workshops, the APRA of Greater New York Spring Workshop, "Navigating the Trail to Success," and AFP's Fundraising Day in New York City, which I was able to attend due to an APRAGNY scholarship.

One of the best takeaways from workshops and conferences: Inspiration

I return to my job after a workshop all revved up about making improvements and implementing new ideas, many of which were never mentioned by the speakers. There's something about sitting in a room and being presented with new ideas, resources and perspectives that inspires creativity. In fact, it can be a challenge to keep my mind reined in and focused on the session topic; my handouts are peppered with exclamations: Newsletter! RSS Feeds! (Pay Phone Bill!)

Some of the more inspiring statements I heard last week came from Catherine Reed, National Director of Development for Hadassah. Reed referred to advancement research as not just the first step of development, but "the core of development," emphasizing that "twenty hands touch a gift." Research is what "pushes us through the process" of cultivating and soliciting gifts. She noted the particular role of research in "breaking down the silos," making sure that the approach to a particular donor is integrated. Reed acknowledged that despite the crucial role research plays in fundraising, the researcher can sometimes be the most under-appreciated person in the development office. "You have to educate us."

In her afternoon session, Cecilia Hogan echoed that statement of responsibility: "We have to be the leaders on our teams, even when we aren't the designated leaders."

Later on in the day, a colleague disagreed with this point of view, essentially arguing that s/he wasn't being paid enough, or being given the authority, to be a leader. And that it wasn't our role to educate our colleagues.

I disagree; while it's true that you can't be the manager on your team if you aren't the designated authority, anyone with vision and the ability to communicate that vision can be a leader. The power of management comes from position; the power of leadership comes from influence.