Find the Vertex in the Vortex

Since the earliest stage of my career, I have navigated fluctuations in the economy, the lives of major stakeholders and donors, and the organizations to which I have served.  So not to get sucked in by what I affectionately label " the vortex" I have, with intentionality BUT not perfection, cultivated a mindset and practice that enables me to not only survive but sometimes even thrive in challenging circumstances and achieve excellence in fundraising through all sorts of storms.

Here are three significant ways (this list is certainly not exhaustive) that I cultivate this practice in my work.

1.           True North with Quantification

Before you do anything – you must identify why you do this at all. It is vitally important to check-in with yourself to ensure your activities are consistent with your values and highest purpose.  Ask yourself­ –or better yet, engage in a conversation with a trusted friend or advisor– How does your work give greater expression to your highest purpose?  Find that truth and hold onto in everything you do.

2.         Mentorship and Continuous Learning

Indeed, there is an endless cycle to our work.  As a result, we tend to neglect our basic need for growth through nurturance and exchange with others - those that are easily accessible one-on-one, and those that we may access through continuous pursuit of learning.  If you have not identified mentors that you'd like to learn from, and/or if you are not actively mentoring others, consider how you might add just a touch of this to your life.  Need advice on where to look? I can help! Sign up here.

3.         Cross-Organizational Micro Teams

Because our work is an organization-wide imperative, it is so very important that we align our vision and energies - especially as we reframe our work - with the colleagues who share our mindset and pursuit of excellence. To this end, think of the likely partners (and the unlikely), and see how strong collaboration might not only deepen the organization's impact, but also bring a joyfulness and inspiration to the work you do each and every day.

This list is merely the appetizer to my emerging blog series on what's possible when we consider our big reframes in these challenging times.  

How might you begin - or deepen - with intentionality BUT not perfection, a mindset and practice that enables you to not only survive, but, dare I suggest, thrive, in these challenging times?

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