“The best downtime for our brains to help us think better and be better is sleep. If you can’t do anything, just focus on your sleep and get good sleep, and that will make a huge difference to how you turn up and how your resilience turns up.”
Thinking (more) is a powerful way to grow results.
Of course, in our busy and ever more distracted world, it’s not always easy to find time to think. That said, we’ve noticed that fundraisers who are very effective and also resilient, usually find a way to deliberately build thinking time into their week.
If this idea appeals, but you often struggle to do it in practice, this episode is for you. Jhumar Johnson is Chief of Staff to the Vice Chancellor at the Open University. Her demanding role includes that of Development Director, so she has a lot to get done.
Five years ago, a mentor showed her the power of ‘think time’, and she’s found it a hugely valuable habit ever since. In the interview Jhumar explains why she finds it so helpful. She also shares practical tips for how other fundraisers and leaders can build more thinking time into their work.
We’d love to know what you think about these ideas! Jhumar and Rob are both on LinkedIn.
Episode overview
Introduction to Resilience in Fundraising (00:00:00)
Rob Woods introduces the episode, emphasising the importance of resilience in fundraising and leadership.
The Need for Resilience in Fundraising (00:03:45)
Jhumar discusses why resilience is crucial for fundraisers, especially in turbulent times.
Understanding Resilience (00:05:18)
Jhumar explains resilience as a foundational strength, comparing it to building a bridge.
The Value of Think Time (00:06:58)
Jhumar emphasises the importance of setting aside time for thinking to enhance effectiveness.
The Importance of Perspective (00:10:57)
Jhumar illustrates how resilience involves shifting perspectives and finding opportunities in challenges.
Learning from Mistakes (00:13:05)
Jhumar shares a personal story about a mistake that taught her the value of honesty in fundraising.
Turning Disappointments into Learning (00:16:55)
The speakers discuss how to transform disappointments into valuable learning experiences.
Building Resilient Teams (00:18:03)
Jhumar highlights how resilient fundraisers contribute to building resilient organisations through intentional practices.
Importance of Thinking Time (00:20:31)
Jhumar discusses the necessity of proactively making time to think and prioritise tasks.
Crisis Management Insights (00:21:21)
Jhumar reflects on her experiences during crises and the challenges of maintaining focus.
Tackling Tough Tasks (00:22:21)
Strategies for addressing challenging tasks first thing in the morning for better productivity.
Clarity Through Reflection (00:25:04)
The value of identifying critical tasks through reflection and setting unmovable priorities.
Distinction Between Prep Time and Thinking Time (00:26:34)
Jhumar explains her approach to separating preparation from dedicated thinking time.
The Value of Downtime (00:28:56)
She emphasises the importance of downtime for better thinking and decision-making.
Accountability Partners (00:30:49)
Jhumar suggests having an accountability partner to maintain focus on personal goals.
The Importance of Sleep (00:32:06)
Final advice on prioritizing sleep to enhance resilience and overall performance.
Further Resources
Fundraising Bright Spots Episode 133 – The Top 20% Rule for growing Individual Giving results with Craig Linton
Fundraising Bright Spots Episode 135 – The value of failure and how to find it with Richard Turner
Fundraising Bright Spots Episode 137 – Influencing colleagues with Ben Swart
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