Author: Tuti Scott

Coming out as a philanthropist.

Posted on by Tuti Scott

My friend Nanci came out as a philanthropist the other day.

We were talking about how she had manifested a miracle for a friend in need.  In our conversation I shared with her that philanthropy is really the love of humankind and it manifests when you express this. She was surprised to learn that philanthropy is not just a place for folks with lots of money who write checks to charity. 

We talked about using one’s time, talent, and treasure to lift people up and that this was the true essence of philanthropy.

So Nanci’s friend was in need.  Dealing with cancer, she needed a shower seat to support her low energy and fragile body while bathing. After being told she was too young to get one from the senior center, she called Nanci in tears and at the end of her rope. Nanci assured her it would all work out and that there was a solution and she would help. While they were on the phone, Nanci was en route to a Chamber of Commerce event driving through the rain when she saw an object on the side of the road. Amazingly, it was a shower seat.

Nanci proceeded to pull out her phone to show me the photo she took of her bike rack holding this shower seat.

She was in awe of the power of the moment and the gift the universe gave to her friend.  We talked more about what she does for work (Nanci is a massage therapist.), and how she is often holding the space for philanthropy – the love of humankind.

I often share in fundraising seminars about how I ask people to ‘come out’ about being a philanthropist.  When you have a story and a name of someone who has made a tremendous donation that often will inspire others to step up and give.

I would mean it in a genuine way as a lesbian who has watched people come out in many settings. I personally understand the charged energy of what that means to some people.

I find it energizing to encourage people to move out of their comfort zone of whatever they identify as and truly own new places in the world.  Last month at a conference on Sport, Sexuality and Culture at Ithaca College, I asked the mostly gay and lesbian audience to come out as social change leaders.

So Nanci – thanks for coming out and we welcome you to the safe, loving space of philanthropy.  We are honored you are on our team!

Tuti Scott is a point guard who still plays in a weekly basketball game to remind herself of the leadership skills learned from sport. Her company, Imagine Philanthropy, helps strengthen the brand and capacity of organizations and provides leadership coaching for nonprofit executives and philanthropists.  This post originally appeared on her blog on April 29, 2009.

What the Summit of leadership looks like.

Posted on by Tuti Scott

Pat Summit reached 1,000 wins last week – the first coach, male or female, in history to reach this milestone.

She has coached 12 Olympians and 18 All-Americans and has a 100 percent graduation rate of student athletes – an amazing summary of success.

What would comparative success look like in the business and nonprofit sectors?

There doesn’t seem to be numerical data that demonstrates such a level of excellence so succinctly.  Perhaps it would be stock performance or scale of outcome of work in changing lives or industry benchmark awards.

For the non-basketball or sports fans who did not get a chance to hear about Pat Summit’s remarkable achievement, feel free to review her bio for its impressive storyline. 

What I enjoy talking about as a former player, coach, and social change activist is her leadership style.  I had the opportunity to be in a meeting with Pat Summit in the mid 1990’s when we were working on the then formation of women’s professional basketball leagues.  There was much conversation in the room around the league format, potential coaches and general managers, and sponsors.

Pat was very clear that the image of the league leadership should reflect success, strength and confidence from day one.

We can learn a lot from Pat Summit’s leadership style.  While her intense and formidable presence on the sideline may deter some from modeling this type of behavior, know that her heart and mind is ultimately focused on her players: How can I make them better?  What resources or training do they need to be stronger, smarter or quicker?  What combination of people and strategies are needed right now for success in this situation?

Imagine if every leader had this type of focus every day in their work. 

Today, I bring these messages to the nonprofit clients and philanthropists I get to work with at Imagine Philanthropy.  Feel free to read these, share with your work teammates and ask one another the questions around your work together.

1. Play to people’s strengths.  Take the time to listen, observe and provide feedback on your teammate’s efforts.  Think about bringing out the potential in every person.  Provide a vision of the highest standards and success with measurable objectives and hold everyone accountable to that level.  Related question: What does winning look like?

2. Focus on fundamentals.  With all of the distraction in the work environment, it is more important than ever to bring people back in line with their job priorities. The more time we focus on a priority measurable objective, the better results we produce.  Clearly, people understand that practice produces results.  Related question: What is the quality of your practice?

3. Detail equals confidence.  Being prepared allows you to demonstrate confidence and understanding of a situation.  When you have given sequential attention to detail to a project – going through a series of steps to insure that every angle was explored and completed– your project will have a higher chance of success.  When you present your work, 70 percent of what people hear is the tone of your voice.  If you have done your homework, calm confidence will be revealed in your voice.  Related question: What is the tone of your leadership?

Tuti Scott is a point guard who still plays in a weekly basketball game to remind herself of the leadership skills learned from sport.  Her company, Imagine Philanthropy, helps strengthen the brand and capacity of organizations and provides leadership coaching for nonprofit executives and philanthropists.