“What’s Wrong With A Cowboy Hat And Boots?”: Learning The Ropes In Wyoming
When I started in mission advancement back in September, I was told by many to be sure to document my first year in the field. It would be a great way to see my own personal growth. Also it would help me to make the most of my valuable, but fading, outsider perspective.
I've see so many thoughtful posts from seasoned professionals in the field everyday. And, of course, I am kept busy driving around the Cowboy State. So it has been slow going to think of something worth sharing and putting pen to paper. However, we all knows how this goes – you’ve got to start somewhere. So here I go!
My Three Take-Aways From Three Months On The Job:
1. Ride For The Brand. I’ll be honest, the hardest decision to make in these past months was what western boots to get – and when. I did not want to seem like I was trying too hard to fit in, but I began to feel a little self-conscious when I was the only one in the room not wearing boots. There’s a strong sense of community here – making the effort to fit in outweighs the potential faux-pas. It’s also not just about the boots – it’s about recognizing the sense of legacy and showing a commitment to embracing and upholding those values. In other words – ride for the brand!
2. Take Pride In Your Work. I was fortunate to be able to attend the International Catholic Stewardship Conference soon after beginning in this role, and was blessed with the opportunity to hear thoughtful, experienced speakers (like Scott Bucko and Sheila McGirl, CFRE ) break down the fundamentals of development. Questions posed by Aad de Lange were insightful too, as were conversations with Sarah Newman and Benjamin Domingue, M.B.A.. A major theme that I noticed was: “people like to be on a winning team.” As I’ve started to build my network here, the question often on my mind is: “who is the team?.” In a state of this size, individuals have the opportunity to make an outsized impact on life in the state and to promoting its legacy. Likewise, I’ve quickly learned to take pride in the work of our organization ad intra and ad extra.
3. Talk Less and Say More.
Special Events Manager at Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
1moThank you so much for joining us, brining your team spirit and helping JA to continue making an impact in the lives of CT children!