How to Project Manage Your Nonprofit Story
Without music, life would be a mistake. – Nietzsche
Today I’m thinking about voices. And how we “give voice” to our feelings and values. And how we “voice our objections” and/or our support. And how, together, we can “make beautiful music.” And how, apart, we feel disconnected. When we’re separated from a loved one, we miss the music.
Are you giving voice to your organization’s mission? Are you connecting with those who you would have love you in a way that is meaningful to them? Or are you (perhaps inadvertently) holding them at arm’s length?
Consider how you express yourself. Do you do so in a manner that truly articulates your values, clearly tells your story and richly demonstrates your outcomes? If not, how is anyone else supposed to understand or value you?
Consider the ease with which you allow your supporters/constituents to give voice to their yearnings and desires. People don’t tend to stay in relationships that are one-way or even lopsided. They also will be disinclined to stay in relationships that are hard work. Unless you engage in an accessible, meaningful dialogue, and truly listen, how will you develop sustained, flowing relationships with supporters who will invest and re-invest in your mission?
Are you and your customers in harmony? How do you know? Are you attentive to comments, questions and complaints? Are you monitoring your social media outlets? Are you surveying? Directly asking for feedback? Paying attention to body language? Responding promptly and personally to feedback?
There are different ways to express one’s voice:
§ Verbally
§ Physically
§ By deed and action
A parent may instruct a child with language; guide them by the hand, or demonstrate/serve as a role model.
A lover may whisper sweet nothings; tender caresses or offer to water the lawn.
A constituent/supporter/customer may extol your virtues by word-of-mouth; simply and quietly make an investment, or throw their whole selves into the endeavor by joining committees, support groups or fan clubs and asking others to join with them in their support.
An organization or business can “talk” about what they do; let you “see, hear, smell, taste and feel” it, or they can “walk the talk” and deliver on their brand promise.
How are you delivering on your promises? And are you doing so in a manner that harmonizes with your constituents? Are you making beautiful music together?
Could you broaden your vocal range and make music in multiple ways? How do we commit to shaping the pattern of our personal and professional lives, not just through thoughts, but through words, gestures and deeds?
What are your tips to developing a powerful voice that connects with others and commands attention?
Are you truly voicing and acting on your values, or keeping to yourself and (perhaps) hiding your light under a bushel?
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