President’s Message

Further or Faster?

Advancement is a strategic, integrated method of managing relationships to increase understanding and support among an educational institution’s key constituents, including alumni and friends, policy makers, the media, members of the community and philanthropic entities of all types. When it comes to institutional advancement, most of us in the EducatePlus fraternity, understand our roles in increasing understanding and support. But while we know we want to move forward (advance!) have you thought about whether you want to faster or whether we want to go further?

My question is particularly relevant in both South Australia as well as the Northern Territory, where we and our institutions have larges literal and metaphorical distances that need to be covered. The answer lies in the proverb that “If you want to go faster, then travel alone, but if you want to go further then travel together”.

So, are you thinking fast or further?

Too much of our action and lexicon is about getting “there” faster because we have convinced ourselves that more is better. Think of the last event or alumni gathering you organised (how many turned up?), or the capital campaign or annual appeal goals you want to achieve before the end of the financial year (how much did you raise?), or the admissions spots you need to fill, not just for this year, but also for next year! Most quantitative measures force us into “faster” thinking because we are trying to reach benchmarks and exceed goals.

But what if we just tweaked our thinking a tiny bit and focused our efforts on “further” thinking as well? Quality of engagement, instead of how many turned up… Stewarding donors and transforming their interest into deeper engagement… Articulating a compelling and distinctive value proposition that draws people in… Taking people along with you, instead of just achieving the goals… Sustainability over short term success… 

One is easier, but the other is more important. And like most things in life, it is all about balance. Go on – have a great week with both faster AND further thinking!

Abhra Bhattacharjee
SA/NT Chapter President