Your Real Job Description
This past December I had the pleasure of hearing CASE President John Lippincott as we presented at “CASE V and VI Together.” It was pure joy to hear John proclaim what a GREAT time this is to be in development work. There is enormous demand, our roles have never been more strategic, respect for our work has never been higher, the opportunities never boarder and the work never more noble.
Yet, it is challenging work — work that must be executed with a certain magic. We weave the spells that transform written mission statements into positive, significant results. Every day in every way everything everyone does must link back to our “why.” According to John, our single greatest asset is trust. And, because we often are in our positions through one or more leadership changes, we are the “keepers of the flame” for our organization — creating life-long engagement. It’s not about working toward the next job, work in this one.
Gary Ryan Blair had this list in something I read. Of course I tweaked it some and share it with you as what you are REALLY hired to do…
- surprise and delight
- go the extra mile
- demonstrate gratitude
- exceed expectations
- focus on solutions
- elevate the conversation
- challenge assumptions
- inspire excellence
- practice integrity
- believe in your mission
- contribute ideas
- deliver results
- meet deadlines
- take risks
- ask challenging questions
- set a good example
- think
- love your donors
- persevere in spite of obstacles
- fight for principle
- act with urgency
- initiate ideas
- honor your commitments
- make good decisions
- play to your strengths
- learn from mistakes
- take pride in your performance
- build a legacy
Now get to work! And thank you for being part of this honorable and noble profession.
