Congratulations on your promotion to lead a team of fundraisers—it’s a well-deserved achievement! However, this new role brings a fresh set of responsibilities. How can you effectively lead a team while maintaining your own fundraising prowess? Achieving the delicate balance of leadership, knowledge sharing, and nurturing exceptional fundraisers requires finesse. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate this exciting journey:
1. Prioritize Your Team:
Your team members should be your top priority. Each day, consider what they need to thrive. Keeping tabs on your team’s progress is crucial. You can use tools like the iPhone Notes app to create individual notes for each team member, outlining their specific needs and upcoming gift opportunities. This keeps you well-informed and enables you to provide timely support. Find a system that works best for you.
2. Always Be Accessible:
A strong manager-direct report relationship is built on trust and open communication. Make yourself readily available for your team. If a Major Gift Officer (MGO) needs to discuss a prospect’s strategy, aim to meet or talk with them on the same day. These conversations can significantly impact the progress toward closing a gift and demonstrate your commitment to their success.
3. Keep Your Team Focused:
MGOs often spread their efforts across multiple prospects or smaller gifts instead of focusing on top prospects with higher closing potential. Encourage your team to work smarter by redirecting their attention to these key prospects. Consider using tools like a prospect tracker spreadsheet to organize solicitation prospects by gift amount and ask timeline. Review this document in your one-on-one meetings to track progress.
4. Foster Forward Momentum:
As a manager, inspire your team to achieve more. Challenge them with questions like, “Could we ask for more?” or “Should we make this ask sooner?” Sometimes, a gentle push can be beneficial. Embrace the concept of “Constant Gentle Pressure,” setting high standards, and offering kind correction when needed. This approach helps maintain important standards while motivating your team to excel.
5. Onboarding is Crucial:
The onboarding process for a Major Gift Officer is a critical opportunity. Invest time in it to ensure success. Reinforce your team’s values, involve them in donor visits, provide comprehensive training, and establish clear company protocols and procedures. Define the desired team culture through your leadership and enthusiasm. Setting the course from the beginning paves the way for long-term success.
6. Embrace Continuous Learning:
Regardless of your fundraising expertise, immerse yourself in continuous learning. Seek inspiration from success stories, valuable articles, and blogs. Ask your team members about their skill development needs and provide the necessary resources to support their growth. Encourage fundraisers to share their gift stories from start to finish, fostering camaraderie within the team. Don’t hesitate to share your own learning experiences, including missteps—these often yield the most valuable lessons.
Lead. Educate. Motivate. You have the tools to succeed, and by following these principles, you’ll inspire your team to reach new heights.
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