To say that these are unusual times would be an understatement. The struggling economy is affecting every element of our society. For those of us in the business of philanthropy, it has been anything but “business as usual.” Project timing has been affected, endowments reduced and financial support more difficult to secure. Our minds have also been victims of this circumstance and that is what I want to address here.
In times such as these, people’s attitudes can become negative and to me, that is the most challenging element of our situation. We start thinking negative and too far ahead – Is my job secure? What will happen if (fill in the blank) happens? I’ll never achieve my departmental objectives! How do we get this building paid for? How do we make up for what we’ve lost in our endowment?
I believe that the best approach is to remain positive and disciplined, taking one day at a time. I am not suggesting you be unrealistic and Pollyannaish or rigid and uncompromising, but optimistic, determined and focused. The way to do that is to create a sensible plan to accomplish your professional objectives. You need a specific month to month plan of what you will do to achieve the outcomes you require. Use an excel spreadsheet. It should fit on no more than two pages. Start with your three or four (only!) major strategic objectives then map out a simple monthly plan for each – what gets done by whom and when. Review daily. Adjust as needed.
We’re in February so there are only four more full months remaining in the school fiscal year. It can be done but there is no magic. You can accomplish your goals and achieve your objectives but it will require optimism, discipline and action.
