Paying it Forward: Ready Fire Aim
Three points this week: Stretch Goals, OODA or Ready Fire Aim, and unknowns. Let’s start with my apology if you missed last week’s column; it’s a teaching moment.
Stretch goals are just that, you push to do more than the goal. Why, because you can. Give a person a goal and most have been conditioned to exceed the goal; be it hours served, events, donations, fundraising. But you don’t always make stretch goals; last week I missed my article submission deadline. First in 26 weeks or so; statistically I’ll beat the deadline for a few weeks.
Ready Fire Aim, we’ve all fallen victim. OODA loop or Observe–Orient–Decide–Act loop was developed by USAF Col. John Boyd to provide a decision-making framework. My challenge this past week, Observe. Lost my coffee cup; didn’t look on the next higher shelf. Also had to relearn listening to 4- & 6-year-olds (grandsons). Insufficient observation leads to Ready Fire Aim.
Imagine understanding donor motivations, by reviewing logged observations based on responses to varying campaigns. If donors consistently sign up for contributions at your highest requested level, consider a higher tier. Swap themes if interest (or fundraising) drops; work on the “next great idea” to stay fresh and relevant with your community.
And our last consideration, unknowns, there are two kinds. The ones you can anticipate, eg. tornado, you plan for. Unknowns you don’t know you don’t know, like the COVID pandemic or an unanticipated asbestos issue with remodeling.
Let’s apply these three thoughts to our strategic planning process. First, I push the limits of my thinking through reflections and creative brainstorming. Exploring things you didn’t know you didn’t know can be illuminating when confronted with tough challenges. Have plans for both the known unknowns, as well as unknown unknowns -- at least save some resources. To understand volunteers' motivations, think 4Ts: Time, Talent, Treasure, Testimony. What can you offer that causes them to reengage and bring others. Finally, include Stretch Goals in your Long-Range Strategic Plan and you’ll be on the road to success in serving your mission.
Wichita Falls Area Food Bank needs all kinds of volunteers. One in six adults and one in four children are food insecure. In WFAFB’s service area, 37,530 food insecure people received 9.8 million meals last year.
Free Ukraine
Service Above Self,
Mr B [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Paying it Forward: Ready Fire Aim