How To: Apply Guiding Principles of Success

Christine Laperriere, Executive Director & Lead Coach of the Advancement Centre, shares how to bring insights into action:

1) Teach by Example
2) Be Persistent
3) Say Thank You

Janice O’Born founded the Charitable Office in 1985 to promote philanthropy to the staff of The Printing House. The office has since raised over 44 million dollars. Janice has extensive managerial experience and has served on four boards, including The Duke of Edinburgh Award for Business and the National Arts Centre Foundation.

1. Teach by Example: As a manager, one of the best ways to encourage your workforce is to set and personally exhibit expectations. As Janice explains, “I commit 100% and I expect that of people around me.” Her comment highlights the importance of setting and meeting high standards to create a successful team. Take a moment to brainstorm areas your team struggles with such as work ethic, drive, accountability or perseverance. Choose the one that you consider the biggest hurdle to your team’s success and make that a priority for your own personal behaviour.

2. Be Persistent: Janice encourages us all to “go after end results.” She attributes much of her success to refusing to take no for an answer. Janice ensures that the ‘nos’ she receives are turned into an opportunity to build and maintain her network. Try setting up an excel sheet of important conversations where you keep track of the date, time, major topics, and with whom you spoke. This allows you to be strategic in your perseverance by having the necessary information on hand to tailor your follow up to address their previous concerns.

3. Say Thank You: Janice provides insight on the importance of maintaining a strong and supportive network. Her experience fundraising for SickKids taught her that it is “easier to convert the donor you have to give more than to find a new one.” One of the methods Janice uses to maintain a strong and helpful network is to ensure she takes the time to say ‘thank you.’ The next time a recent contact or colleague goes out of their way to help you follow up with a quick thank you phone call or letter. They will appreciate the gesture and you will begin to build your own network of support.