Ops Insights #040 Introverts this Edition is for YOU
May 8, 2024 | Read Time: 3 minutes | Written by Jenny Kleintop
I can’t be in the room. What would I be asked? What would I say? How would I interact? There was a deep tightening in my stomach as I entered the room and then slipped to the back corner, away from the center of it all. No one will notice me back here. No one will ask me anything. This is so uncomfortable; why am I here? Get up and walk out quickly before the meeting starts.
Sound familiar to you?
That was me, believe it or not, years ago when I first entered the nonprofit space. I felt safe being in data and operations as it was all the tech and computers, or so I thought. But then there came times, lots of times when I had to interact with people. And not just interact, but teach them how to do things in the database, field requests, talk through requests, and collaborate.
At first, it was scary, so scary, but I learned. I learned how to be in my zone of comfort in the weeds of the data and tech, but also how to come out and interact with people. That first job was a huge learning experience; that is where I fell in love with philanthropy operations. I found philanthropy operations to be the perfect blend of tech and people. I was able to do the computer work but also got to interact and often help bridge the gap between the two.
Fast forward from those first years as I started to walk in the room, own the space, held my head high and sat at the table right in the middle of all the action.
Yes, my stomach still had some butterflies, but I pushed outside my comfort zone. And you know what started happening? I started connecting with colleagues. I started working more effectively with people cross-functionally. I started to find my voice, my place, my seat at the table. At the table, I was able to proactively be a part of the conversations, the decisions, and the plans. I proactively provided input and stopped what could have been rabbit-hole projects. I began to learn how to be a better team player and started to find my wings as a leader.
We are now at a place in philanthropy where the frontline fundraising efforts must lead with strong data, effective workflows, and supportive operations. It’s a must co-piloting partnership, side by side with our frontline colleagues as this is what drives better and higher fundraising results.
Take Action
You may not be ready for all of this, but I encourage you to start slow. Inch your way into pushing past your comfort zone.
Here are 3 things you can start with:
Practice holding your head up high and walking confidently into a room. And when you do, sit at the table, sit in the middle. I know, sounds odd, but practice helps give you courage.
When you feel safe, practice sharing your views and opinions out loud. If you do not feel safe, find a trusted colleague or friend to do it 1:1. Start to get comfortable pushing out of your comfort zone and hearing yourself talk is a great first step.
Read these posts to help give you some mo-jo:
You’ve got this and I’ve got you!
👋 See you next time.
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