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June 15, 2009
If you do something stupid, say so
When we talk about fund and donor development, one word always rises to the top: trust. People not only have to believe in the cause or organization you represent, they also have to trust you.
This morning, I clicked on a link to add more followers on my Twitter account. (This was a poor decision because social media is about relationships and buy-in not stale mass media techniques and measurements.) Instantly, I was presented with people who were willing to follow me. What I didn't know was that the program instantly sent out a tweet using my account. Not a smart decision on my part. It didn't read like my tweets, and it didn't sound like me. I broke trust with those who have voluntarily said they want to follow what I'm tweeting about.
When I realized what had happened, I immediately closed that ancillary Twitter account and deleted the tweet from my feed. But my followers already had read it and were confused, judging by the responses I received almost instantly. (This is how I figured it all out.)
It was a good reminder that when you do something stupid, say so. It won't erase what's already been done, but it will at least remind those who do trust you that you. Leaders are human so are those who give. People respect honesty and appreciate it when you listen to their feedback. (What's the point of social media anyway if you're not willing to listen?--Perhaps another post for another time.)
If you've seen a decline in your giving, take a moment for self-reflection. Could you - intentionally or unintentionally - have broken the trust with those you depend upon to faithfully give of their time, talent, and treasures.
As the pastor or church leader, the people in your pews trust you. It's absolutely vital that you protect the integrity of that trust at all cost. It has been said once or twice before that confession is good for the soul. Confession is also a good practice to build and maintain the trust of your donor base.
Posted by bstroup at June 15, 2009 9:35 AM
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