This summer, I’m rereading a book that has made waves in the realm of leadership and management: Radical Candor by Kim Scott. In the book, Scott presents a practical and effective approach to effective leadership; one that emphasizes honest and direct communication while maintaining a sense of empathy and compassion. There are many reasons that fundraising managers should read Radical Candor -
Building stronger relationships
To be a successful fundraiser, you need to cultivate strong relationships with donors. That concept is the same for your role as a people manager. The path to building strong internal relationships is found in the ability to challenge directly, while caring personally. By practicing radical candor, you establish a foundation of trust and honestly; where folks are comfortable to express their ideas, concerns, and ambitions. This in turn, leads to an environment conducive to collaboration, innovation, and, ultimately, exceptional fundraising results. Who doesn’t want that?
Nurturing professional growth
Fundraising is an ever-evolving field. The continuous growth and development of your team members are crucial for sustained success. Scott's book offers practical guidance on providing effective feedback, both positive and critical, to help individuals reach their full potential. By adopting the principles of radical candor, you'll be able to empower your team, encourage a growth mindset, and facilitate their professional development. This, in turn, will elevate your team's overall performance and impact. Again, who doesn’t want that?
Strengthening team dynamics
Fundraising is a team sport, and effective collaboration is the key to unlocking extraordinary results. Radical Candor equips you—the people manager—with strategies to foster a culture of open communication, where staff engage in constructive dialogue, challenge ideas, and work together to achieve shared goals. By embracing radical candor, you'll create an environment that values diverse perspectives, encourages healthy debates, and enables your team to make well-informed decisions. This collaborative spirit will strengthen bonds, enhance creativity, and drive your fundraising efforts to new heights.
Final thoughts
My recommended summer read to fundraising managers looking to elevate their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their organizations is Radical Candor. If you are feeling a bit hesitant employing the techniques that Scott recommends, I invite you to consider: “What’s the best that could happen?”
#RadicalCandor #LeadershipExcellence #FundraisingManagement #TeamDevelopment
Liz Rejman (she/her) has spent 25 years (and counting) working in the fundraising profession, serving social service organizations, arts organizations, healthcare foundations, and higher education institutions.
