I’m sitting outside a café in my small town and a UPS truck just pulled up.  How would I articulate what UPS does? I’d say, “they move stuff from one place to another.” Now…that is not exactly inspiring. Their vision, however, is right there, on the side of their truck, “Synchronizing the world of commerce.”

Why would they put those words there? Perhaps to keep present to the bold vision that they have to make a difference in the world. Perhaps to be clear to articulate their vision for the future. If I were a driver, it would definitely make a difference to me…to drive around under the auspices of something that matters, not something that speaks to the mundane or the difficulty of the task. I would want to know that I play an important role in a huge vision.

This led me to a couple questions for leaders of social profit organizations. How do we generate a shared sense of that huge vision? What conversations need to be started for your organization to reach its potential?

Getting started is very simple. Pay attention to your words and notice when you are about to contribute to sabotaging possibility and success for your organization. When you find yourself complaining or jumping on the bandwagon of discontentment or hopelessness, stop yourself for a moment and consider finding something else to say. Consider proposing solutions to things that aren’t working well. Speak about potential and opportunity, speak to the huge vision, that which excites you about your organization and the work you are committed to doing.

In order to inspire yourself and others, look for moments to articulate bold and powerful words. This language will not only inspire, it will give you energy and generate momentum. It will give your board energy. And most importantly, it will ultimately give your donors and volunteers energy.

How would you articulate what you are up to? Are you transforming kids lives? Are you facilitating people in reaching their potential? Are you providing beauty in the world through art and human self-expression?  Are you transforming the lives of people living with physical or mental disabilities?

Are you a solution finder or a problem finder? Pay attention to your WORDS…THEY MAKE YOUR WORLD.

    

Tags: development professionals, development training, fundraising, fundraising professionals, leadership, mission statement, non-profit adminsistration