Some of you are aware that I spent my graduate school years researching the topic of why college and university presidents fail. I am pleased to announce that this research culminated in the book, “Presidencies Derailed: Why University Leaders Fail and How To Prevent It,” published by The Johns Hopkins University Press. “Presidencies Derailed” is now…
Author: Jason McNeal
I provide leadership, advancement and fundraising consulting services to educational, healthcare, and non-profit organizations.
Where Are Your Cranes?
The other night I heard Jim Cramer, the TV financial analyst with the pronounced ADD affliction, suggest that the U.S. economic recovery isn’t as authentic as we might hope. Yes, the stock market has enjoyed a couple years’ worth of bull-market fun (although last week saw a sizeable sell off). But, Mr. Cramer asked a…
Overcoming The Pride and Trust Issues With Giving
Two of the most seemingly-impenetrable barriers to giving are connected to the broader human conditions of pride and trusting others. Specifically, if an assigned solicitor isn’t willing to humble herself enough to ask with conviction on behalf of her deserving institution, a gift won’t be made (or, if a gift is made, it won’t be…
Paying Attention To Causation
The conventional wisdom is simple. Higher self-esteem will lead to better life choices and results. So, we tell our kids they have “gifts” and are “special” even when they are not. (Ever watched “American Idol” when a horrible teenaged singer is confronted, quite possibly for the first time, with the assessment, “wow, you just aren’t…
Prioritizing the 4 Types of Major Donor Prospects
Essentially there are 4 categories of major donor prospects in your donor database: The Generous – Those with financial capacity who give to your institution up to their capacity; The Contributors – Those with financial capacity who give to your institution but are not as generous as they could be; The Non-Engaged – Those with…
“Deep Human Connection”
Recently, at Duke University’s Commencement, technologist and philanthropist Melinda Gates stated to the assembled graduates: “Technology is just a tool. It’s a powerful tool, but it is just a tool. Deep human connection is very different. It’s not a tool. It’s not a means to an end. It is the end – the purpose and…
Why Donors Give: The Universal Truth
Here are a few cliches about why donors give: “Donors don’t give to meet your institution’s needs, they give to meet their own needs.” “Donors don’t give because you have needs, they give because you meet needs.” “Donors don’t give to institutions, they give through institutions.” “People give to people.” These cliches have become cliches…
What’s Important To Know
Millions of dollars are spent each year on professional development. People attend conferences, webinars, conventions, workshops, and buy books all in an attempt to become more knowledgeable and become more valuable employees. Learning matters. The more we know, the more effective we become. That’s easy enough to understand. But if we can all agree that…
The Slow Yes
Recently, I listened as a candidate for a director of development position at a major U.S. university answered a question about how he handles rejection. His response was a winner: “Yes, every development officer hears “no” from time to time and you have to have a plan for how to respond to a “no” response…
Buying Ugly Socks and Answering For Donors
Last week I sat in a major gift donor prospect management meeting with a client and listened as a gift officer said, “What we know from visits and our research is that John (the donor) has the capacity to make a $5 million gift during our campaign. But I just don’t think he will give…