Circling the Wagons

"You can't circle the wagons if you ride alone."

Rarely does a week go by that I don't get a call from a really worthy non-profit organization that is struggling with raising money. After a while it begins to tug at my heart, because I don't have the time, energy or resources to help most of them.

There is one thing I can recommend that would make a world of difference to most non-profits. Learn how to collaborate. So many of the programs I get calls from are small, one or two staff organizations who have a passion for a specific area of ministry or social service. The problem is they aren't alone in their vision, there others doing similar and profitable works, but we have a lot of lone-wolf cowboys who don't want oversight, collaboration or input from anyone else. That's a problem - it leaves you few options when the economy turns south, wrongly suggests that you have all the answers to a particular problem, but mostly it speaks to an air of arrogance and independence.

I have found one way to cut down on the phone calls. Now when I meet with an organization I start by discussing collaborations. I give them a list of agencies they could work with and foundations who like to see partnerships. You wouldn't believe the resistance I recieve from those organizations who refuse to partner with anyone else - they don't want to sacrifice even the smallest amount of autonomy.

Sadly, I have even seen this in departments within an organization. Rather than look at the greater good, the value of partnerships, the benefits of shared resources, the reduction of management and operational costs these small agencies continue to struggle, forge ahead alone and resist the positive change that can come from working together. The saddest thing of all is that these agencies lose sight of the mission - to serve others. It is truly heartbreaking to see a valued organization that begins to put their own interests ahead of those they serve.

The Attitude of Winners

"If you even dream of beating me, you better wake up and apologize." Muhammad Ali


There were a lot of people who didn't like the arrogance of Muhammad Ali. That same statement could be made about General George Patton, Jimmy Connors, Ty Cobb, Richard Branson and scores of other individuals who lived confident, unapologetic lives; but the bottom line is they are winners.

I am not suggesting that we have to embrace every behavior, but a strong sense of self, the ability to believe in our dreams when others laugh, the power to move confidently in the direction of our greatest ambition when the world calls us fools - these are the characteristics that set winners apart from the rest of the masses of bright, intelligent, talented individuals who lack that little something extra.

I remember reading a story about a young man who asked a successful mentor what it takes to get ahead. The answer was very telling - "and then some." Do the best you feel you can do, "and then some." Give your employer all that he asks for, "and then some." Work as hard as anyone else you know, "and then some."

Winners know there is something deep inside them that makes them winners. We should not be offended because they bask in their own excellence - we should be challenged by it.