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Writings by Randall

Posts tagged leadership
When Negative Expectations Are Wrong

Negative expectations can shape our mindset, leading to self-doubt, anxiety, and a fear of failure that often sabotages our efforts. In contrast, embracing positivity and open-mindedness, as demonstrated by a 5th-6th grade basketball team defying low expectations, fosters growth, teamwork, and success. Shifting from a mindset of impossibility to one of possibility can transform both personal and professional outcomes, encouraging resilience and achievement.

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Bridging the Fundraising Knowledge Gap for Leaders

In a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy opinion piece, the author talks on a critical issue: fundraisers are under siege. While fundraising is essential to nonprofit sustainability, it remains largely misunderstood by leadership, contributing to burnout and high turnover. 55% of fundraisers feel underappreciated, and 51% plan to leave their jobs within two years. The disconnect between nonprofit leaders and their fundraising teams is clear and it threatens long-term organizational success. Leaders must embrace fundraising as a shared responsibility and provide the necessary tools, training, and support to empower their teams.

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Not Forgetting Women in Philanthropy

Overlooking women in philanthropy represents a missed opportunity, as they increasingly control significant wealth and demonstrate distinct, impactful giving patterns. Engaging women not only taps into a major financial reservoir but also supports nonprofits with diversified, stable funding and enhanced sustainability. Ignoring their influence risks losing crucial donations and long-term support essential for meaningful impact.

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Collaboration a Must, and Yes, With Other Nonprofits in Our Community

Nearly 20 years ago, an old family friend and community leader highlighted the issue of local nonprofits competing against each other rather than collaborating, which stuck with me. This insight aligns with recent efforts highlighted in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where organizations like Citizen’s University are working to unite nonprofits to address community challenges more effectively. Trust and collaboration are essential for nonprofits to maximize their impact, but achieving this requires overcoming significant leadership challenges and silos.

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The Wrong Capital Project—No Matter How Much It is Needed

A campaign project driven by leadership with no genuine philanthropic connection is unlikely to succeed, regardless of how essential it might seem. While the project's need is clear, its disconnect from what donors find compelling highlights a broader issue in understanding philanthropic motivations. To truly engage donors and achieve impact, it’s crucial to align projects with the values and interests of philanthropists, focusing on making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

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The Folly of Leadership at Tarleton State: Firing a Faculty Member over a Parking Discussion

At Tarleton State University, a significant parking fee increase sparked controversy when respected professor Ted Roberts was dismissed. Despite positive reviews and support from faculty, Roberts' contract was not renewed until his case gained media attention, highlighting a broader failure in leadership and communication. This incident underscores the consequences of leadership disconnect and the importance of addressing issues with trust and common sense.

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Doing the Right Thing is Never Wrong

I love working with bright individuals who can foresee potential outcomes and understand the importance of doing the right thing now for future benefits. When a nonprofit faced operational challenges, Hallett Philanthropy helped them adopt best practices, reinforcing credibility and ethics. Their proactive approach proved invaluable when media scrutiny later confirmed their integrity and high standards, showcasing the importance of unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one's watching.

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Am I Too Loud? Let Me Whisper “Yes”

Reflecting on my days as a quarterback, I cherished the chance to lead and adjust plays on the field, and now, as a coach, I carry that enthusiasm into helping kids enjoy sports, emphasizing improvement and teamwork over winning. My loud voice, often echoing across the field, sometimes draws criticism for being annoying or domineering, yet I strive to remain positive and supportive, ensuring I’m guiding rather than overwhelming the kids. As I navigate coaching and other relationships, I’m constantly pondering whether I should dial down my volume to better listen and empower others.

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Personal Fine for a Nonprofit Executive

In the nonprofit world, we often encounter disciplinary actions, but a court imposing a multi-million dollar fine on an individual is unprecedented. Recently, a New York state court fined a non-profit leader $2 million for mismanagement issues, raising questions about accountability and stewardship. While such measures reinforce accountability and protect public trust, they could also deter qualified individuals from nonprofit leadership roles due to fears of personal liability.

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Trouble Finding a Job

Despite a demand for talent, many seasoned professionals are struggling to secure positions. Issues meet at the intersection of salary stagnation, inflation, and shifting job market dynamics as well as hidden factors influencing hiring decisions. Let’s look to navigate the nuances of job seeking in the nonprofit sector and reflect on the importance of gratitude amidst career uncertainties.

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Unrealized Impact

Whether you expect to or not, you are impacting others every day. You may not realize your impact, but without a doubt, someone is on the receiving end. Read this blog to learn about the unrealized impact you could be having on others.

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Randall Hallettleadership