Stake, tr. Verb. To risk; at stake. In jeopardy.

What is at stake?

What is at stake? I have been thinking about this as we frame our future. What is it that allows for us to produce extraordinary results for our donors? While there are many contributing factors, perhaps the most important is the way we listen to donors and the experiences they with us. It is that there is something at stake.

Having something at stake will lead to breakthrough thinking. Something at stake will lead to extraordinary action. Something at stake will lead to amazing results for our nonprofit.

I would listen differently to a coach if I were training for an Olympic gold medal in speed skating rather than as an amateur spending an afternoon at the pond. Coaching makes a difference depending on how relevant or urgent or consequential I consider it to be – what I have at stake.

To maximize the results I produce, I must listen with something big at stake – something important enough to be worth the valuable time I am spending. I should ask myself, “If a real difference were possible here, in what area or on what issue or concern would I want an impact to be made for our donors?”

Everything we do for our donor’s matters. Every decision we make to improve the experience, every product or service we develop, every dollar we spend that benefits our donors. Deviating from this focus could have real consequences. Let’s make an impact every day by focusing 100 percent on donor needs.

“Progress always involves risk; you can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.” ~~Frederick Wilcox