Issue #35

Not at all weekly evaluation inspiration for...

Non-profits who DARE

"Were you showing that video specifically for me?" reflected a recent workshop participant after I showed this TED Talk on asking better questions by Amber L. Wright.​

Of course I wasn't, but the reflection was exactly why I love to share this video. The concept is so simple - the questions we ask matter, and the responses we get differ based on not only how we ask the question, but how we make them feel.

So many of us right now are in a place of keeping our heads down and pushing through. The problem is, it feels like we're pushing without confidence in our destination. We're trying to do all of the things and it's completely unsustainable.

If we're in a real-life game of snakes and ladders, without intention we're on a fast track to a whole lot of snakes.

Although it feels like we don't have capacity to really connect - to ask good questions and take time to be thoughtful about what follows, it's really all we've got. Connection is the ladder that helps us get out of the struggle, both in the day-to-day and in the long-term.

When we genuinely connect, we get the chance to express our support needs, and to offer support that may feel like nothing to us but everything to the person on the receiving end. We don't have to be able to solve each other's problems. Simply holding a safe space can mean the difference between someone burning out and their candle burning brighter.

What if you started this process with yourself? Spend a few minutes today thinking about how you're really doing, and meet the answer with grace and compassion. I'm always here to lend a listening ear!

In honour of connection, I've teamed up with 20+ consultants to make our supports more accessible. Today is the last day to grab your Packed with Impact bundle for $111. It's a wealth of resources that can help make the jobs you're already doing easier. Consider it our love letter to non-profits. Use code FRIEND15 for 15% off.

Hey friend-of-a-friend! Want to get on the list? Subscribe here.