We live in a fractured world. Uncertainty and complexity abound. It seems challenging to ascertain who or what to trust any longer. Fake images, click bait, and outrageous communication are prevalent. Leaders are frazzled and seemingly disjointed, given the speed of change we are experiencing. We may not be traveling as fast as Artemis II at 24,000 mph, but change is still head spinning. Trust follows consistency.
In my experience, the faster change occurs, the more trust is challenged and in short supply. Imagine how elated I was a couple of weeks ago when I came across the following quote by New York Times bestselling author James Clear in my inbox:
Trust follows consistency.
The business that delivers a quality product every time earns the customer’s trust.
The person in the relationship who shows up reliably — who keeps promises, who responds with steadiness — earns the trust of the other.
The pattern is the proof.
–James Clear
This quote resonated with me strongly, considering that I had just been talking about the need for consistency to build trust on the NPFX podcast. The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange podcast offers actionable insights on fundraising, donor stewardship, and strategic planning.
In the episode, I explore how nonprofit leaders can move beyond day-to-day overwhelm and scarcity thinking to build consistent, trust-based relationships with stakeholders; leverage systems and partnerships for greater impact; and invest in leadership development — including creating a personal board of advisors — to strengthen their organizations and themselves.
In this fun conversation with Melissa Cowley Wolf, founder of MCW Projects LLC, we explore core challenges we currently see in nonprofit leadership. We talk about the need for consistent engagement of all stakeholders, the propensity to get stuck in the ‘weeds’ when overwhelmed by uncertainty, funding cuts, and low pay, which inevitably leads to a lack of long-term strategic thinking. We address relationship building, the need for better systems, and successful partnerships to leverage engagement.
It was an honor to be interviewed by the gifted Cowley Wolf, who has more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, leadership coaching and campaign strategy, including work on campaigns up to $4 billion! Named a Global Innovator Transforming the Art Industry, Melissa also directs the Arts Funders Forum, a platform advancing private support and new financial models for the cultural sectors.
Also, let me give a special shoutout to Curtis Schmitt of IPM Advancement, who did a fabulous job producing the episode.
I hope you’ll take a listen and come back with any questions that might have gone unanswered for you.
If you want a little guidance to figure out how to build trust, be strategic, or navigate nonprofit executive leadership, feel free to reach out. We all need some assistance from time to time. Flying blind is challenging!