Watch Your Language About Your Donors

You can tell what a person really thinks by the language they use or the behavior they engage in when the customer or donor is not looking. I was reminded of this truth at a Veritus Group retreat when one of our associates looked me in the eye and said: “Richard, the words you just used prove that you do not respect one of my important values.”

I have to admit that at first I was a little offended by the comment by our associate. But as I thought about what this person said, I realized she had told me the truth. My choice of words had revealed a belief that disrespected a value she had. So I had to do two things: First I apologized to the associate, and then I examined why I held the belief—why it was important to me what was wrong with it and what I needed to change.

It was a good exercise, and it made me a better person.

Then I received this email from one of our blog readers who said:

“I was wondering if your blog might consider (the use of) language in a (good) culture of philanthropy. I joined an organization almost a year ago and initially heard terms like ‘hit ‘em up,’ ‘make them give,’ ‘they should be good for…’ and the like. While I have used much different language in meetings to try and be an example (even calling out these phrases and explaining why they are harmful), my efforts have been ignored. I am still hearing ‘hit ‘em up,’ which really makes my soul cringe.”

It makes my soul cringe, too. Can you imagine a donor hearing a major gift officer talking like this? It would hurt them deeply, and they would be very angry. It would be clear to them that they are simply sources of cash versus valued partners.

The problem in this organization is the leader. He or she obviously tolerates this kind of talk. And it merely reflects a belief that donors are sources of cash—that is all they are good for so we should “make them give” or “hit them up” for money.

It would be interesting to conduct some analysis on the donor file of this organization. I’ll bet the attrition is very high. It would be high, because these kinds of beliefs ooze out of the people who hold them and find their way to the other parts of the organization, affecting value judgments other employees make about how they treat donors.

The receipting department starts to disrespect the donors. The program department sees little value in the donor other than the money they can give. The finance department constantly fights against any move to fund donor stewardship programs, because “it is not worth it.” And so it goes, like a virus, spreading ill will, bad attitudes and wrong thinking throughout the organization.

And then it starts to ooze out of the organization affecting the donors themselves who now start to perceive that they are not valued. And what do they do? They go away.

What You Can Do

Is the leader who is causing and allowing all of this a bad person? Probably not. He or she is simply operating with a belief that is wrong. And unlike the personal situation I described earlier, he or she is not blessed to have someone call them out and hold them accountable. So the cancer spreads.

What can you do when you find yourself in a situation like this? Here are some suggestions.

1. First of all, take steps to guard yourself, your attitudes and beliefs. And the best way to do this is to encourage the people around you to hold you accountable. There is nothing better than having a group of people around you, who hear your words, observe your actions and are free to comment on all of it. Nothing better. Jeff and I actively promote that kind of environment. You can, too. It may be uncomfortable at times. But it will be freeing, believe me. Guard yourself.
2. Speak out to others who are disrespecting donors. Hold them accountable for their words and actions, but do it in a compassionate way. Let’s say you hear “I think you should hit them up” from a colleague. You might say: “[NAME], I noticed you used the phrase ‘hit them up’ when you were talking about your donor. I know you don’t mean it, but what would the donor think if he or she heard you say that about him or her? Have you ever thought of that?” And then have a discussion about treating donors as partners versus sources of cash.
3. Seek out the leader/manager and tell them about your concerns. Put your concerns in the context of valuing donors, creating a good culture of philanthropy and reducing donor attrition. Suggest that it would be good for them as the leader to talk to the staff about their use of language.
4. If the situation persists, consider moving to another organization. This is easier said than done, I know. But if the leaders in your organization are going to continue to operate this way, it will not be a healthy place for you to be. You do need to move. And when you do move, do it without judgment. There is no need to toss out some critical language as you depart, although you might explain the reason to your manager. Go to a place that honors and respects donors.

There is never a good excuse to disrespect anyone. I have had to learn this truth in many difficult ways. As I have gotten older and been around people who have shed light on my darkness, I have realized that I had a bundle of biases and prejudice that needed fixing. And little by little, I have become a better person. But it has not been easy. The one operating truth has been to find good people who will tell me the truth and hold me accountable.

You can do that, too. And everywhere you go, be a light on the subject of donors and their value to the organization you work for. Without our donors, the good that we do would not happen, not to mention that we would not be employed.