Generalists Rule the World

The successful fundraisers have great regard for specialists in the field. It is understood how important these men and women are to an effective development office.

Those who have expertise in phone-a-thons, research, computer technology, and response mail— they make things happen. You wouldn’t be without them.

But it is the Generalist who is the most effective. In an effective development office, you seek broad men and women, sharpened to the point, who have an understanding and appreciation of all the specialists— but who are unencumbered by them.

The successful fundraiser knows how to use these specialists to great advantage. They know a little bit about many things, but claim no specialty of their own. They revel in overall understanding and expertise.

The successful fundraiser is a four-star Generalist.