Teamwork: A Golden Thread in the Tapestry of Dreams

Every organization has the right to test its dream - a founding principle of Hartsook Companies. The foundation to achieve your dream demands teamwork.

It is "Not finance. Not Strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare," (Lencioni, 2002, p. vii).

Years ago - during my first adventure into higher education fundraising - I sat wide-eyed in the audience, learning about best practices to advance the university. It seemed like an immense and complicated task, and I questioned how - and if - it was truly possible.

In short, we concluded our first campaign at more than double our goal. Our teamwork, at all organizational levels, secured this achievement. Had we compromised our teamwork through an absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability or inattention to results (Lencioni), I'm confident we would have floundered.

Teamwork sets effective organizations apart from the ineffective. It's not simply about forming a group to address a need. Those who do it well know how to harness the leadership and intellectual capital from all hierarchical levels. Team members are empowered by exchanging ideas through open and honest dialogue.

Successes are championed and failures are educational. Internal and external knowledge is shared widely to create innovation. And very importantly, team members collaborate with sensitivity toward one another's unique values and needs.

Your collaborative practices influence the effectiveness and livelihood of your organization. So as you weave your tapestry en route to your dream, know this: attention to your golden thread of teamwork is imperative.

- Lonelle R. Rathje, MA, Senior Vice President (Kansas City), LRathje@hartsookcompanies.com

Another Smart Idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Use your '5 resources' - people, time, money, materials and authority - to manage and lead. - Betsy Borre (Grand Rapids, Mich.)

If you are interested in Best Practices and smart ideas, see these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

"Fundraising Magic - 33.5 Strategies for Turning Board Members into Money Makers" by Robert G. Swanson (2007, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). This book shares proven strategies you can implement immediately to give Board members the confidence and tools needed to cultivate donors, solicit gifts and strengthen your organization's position in the community. To order this book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.
"Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.
"Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union.
"Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas.

For a free copy of "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM", please email Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.