Character in Fundraising - Principle Number Three: Self-Confidence
By Roger Richard Breault, MCS, CFRE
May 25, 2004
This is the third in a series of articles about the seven character
traits to develop to become an effective, productive, and authentic fundraiser.
It is written with the intent to fill a sizable gap in the formation and education
of those who want to be true fundraising professionals.
Everyday the fundraiser must test his/her confidence. The mere setting of fundraising objectives is an act of confidence. In fundraising, it boils down to:
- An expression of confidence that your goals are both realizable and realistic.
- A belief that the volunteers will be there to carry out the required duties;
- The campaigns are supported by your selected target markets;
- The technologies will work; and
- Your Board of Directors and CEO confidently encourage your efforts to
make it all happen
Have you ever had to put your job on the line over the achievement of fundraising
objective? It's frightening to know that your performance will be measured by
how much money you will raise at the end of the day, at the end of an event,
at the end of an appeal, or at the end of the fiscal year. For some, this challenge
can turn into sleepless nights and extraordinary commitments of work time just
to keep the job.
It doesn't have to be that way. At birth we fear nothing. As we get older, we
live up to our parents' expectations to play it safe. Eventually we venture
out on our own and experience disappointment. Then, we may succumb to heeding
the advice of some of our peers who belittle our abilities and always want us
to "take care" instead of "take charge".
We may become accustomed to accepting more comfortable and deceivingly easier
ways to perform. That's when we begin to believe that being gutless, procrastinating,
and the avoiding taking risks are the norm. There is no room for this kind of
thinking in the fundraising business.
Intelligent analysis of risk-taking must become second nature to us. Fortunately,
you can develop this character trait through eager observation, studying, and
impartial detachment. Risk-taking need not be a source of fear and immobilization.
On the contrary, it can become a stimulant and a means to acquire more and more
courage daily. How? It's a matter of learning how to marshal stress into a positive
and productive force that propels and motivates you to achieve a higher level.
These skills and abilities can be mastered. They have the desired affect of
increasing our effectiveness and capacity. Combined with the continual commitment
to learn and live authentically, they make the fundraiser a formidable and unstoppable
agent for the good of the community.
Overcoming the fear to change takes practice and diligent thinking. Effective
fundraisers exude confidence in everything they do. They do not fear making
mistakes, accepting ambitious challenges, or undertaking remarkable plans. And
they succeed beyond everyone's expectation. Why? They have confidence in themselves
- confidence gained through the active and systematic development of the acquisition
of courage. They understand Susan Jeffers' maxim from her book Feel the Fear,
Do It Anyway: "Ships are safe in harbour, but that's not what ships are
built for".
A Short List of Selected Readings on the Subject of Self-Confidence in Fundraising:
The Science of Personal Achievement by Napoleon Hill
Feel the Fear, Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers
How to be a No Limit Person by Dr. Wayne Dyer
Risking - The Anatomy of Risk Taking by Dr. David Viscott
Acquiring Courage by Zev Wanderer
Roger Richard Breault has prepared the articles for the benefit and
the advancement of the profession. Roger has a Masters' Degree in Communication
Studies, and a CFRE accreditation. He is a dedicated reader and Manager of
Fund Raising Consultants of Alberta and the Speakers' Bureau of Alberta.
