Using Your Intuition for the Greater Good

Have you ever listened to your gut and been pleasantly surprised by a good outcome? Or ignored a strong feeling only to realize you should have paid attention?

Before you decide this topic is too flaky, let me assure you, in my 20+ years of fundraising, I’m primarily known for my diligent moves management and methodical, detail-oriented approach. So I’m just adding a secret ingredient I rely on, which I didn’t even realize most people ignore.

I’ve always been inclined to follow my intuition due to being raised by a family that promoted using our innate sixth sense. That’s why when I recently enrolled in courses to hone these skills, I was quite surprised that this wasn’t the “norm.”  When my classmates and I were asked to identify some of our blocks, most of the students said they were taught to ignore inner guidance, as there was no such thing. I thought, “No such thing? How terrifying!” Let me explain. Because my “normal” consists of tapping into higher powers, I’ve never felt alone. The late great Maya Angelou said she takes all the authors she’s ever learned from onstage with her.  Because I believe investing in the greater good encompasses a tapestry of positive forces, I access intuitive powers regularly to help me.

You see, my mother used to “invite” the spirits of deceased relatives to attend my ballet recitals. So it was always very natural to me to “invite” the loved ones of major and planned giving donors I work with to guide me in finding the best way to marry their interests with transformational philanthropy.

Listen to Your Inner Voice

Consequently, I listen intently not only to what the donor is saying but also to my sixth sense, noting coincidences along the way. Sometimes a question pops in my mind that I hadn’t planned that opens the conversation up in very meaningful ways. Other times I get an idea for a logical next step or a feeling I should end the conversation at a certain time. It never fails me. Why? Because this approach, if nothing else, makes me extremely open and empathetic. And I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how it helps me and donors resonate on the same wavelength.

Other insights have shown up in remarkable ways. There have been times I’ve called a donor I haven’t approached before and they are moved and tell me that on the particular day it was the birthday or anniversary of the passing of a loved one – the reason they supported the cause.  Many times, donors have told me they were thinking of me the day I called or were just about to call me. My colleagues will attest to me “reading their minds” when I follow up with them as they were just about to contact me.

In my work, I’ve often felt unexplained guidance to help me solve problems or strategize.  Sometimes I just clear my mind, contemplate for a few moments, and the clear solution comes to me. There was a time when I was conducting board training in another city and was asked about donor recognition. I replied, “If you want to recognize Doris, there are a number of options we can offer.” Mouths dropped. I asked what happened, and they inquired whether I had ever met the person who asked the question. I said, “Of course not. I just got here.” They said, “His mother Doris recently passed away.” Which was the perfect segue for me to explain the power of listening to your hunches. Funnily enough, the last time I shared this story, the driver of the car I was in pointed up as I was finishing. We were just passing “Doris Avenue.”

How Do You Tap In?

The good news is our vocation is extremely profound, so what we do already connects us on such a deep level with very caring people. Altruism serves a higher purpose, and our chosen profession affords us the opportunity to focus on self-actualization, the highest level of Maslow’s human motivation model.

We are used to being the ultimate facilitators for the greater good.  By adding our intuition to guide us while getting to know people on such a personal level – we’re taking our expertise to the next level, if we allow it.

You can allow it by:

1. Believing it’s possible. Not convinced? Think back to times in your life about strange coincidences or when you just “knew” something or what to do and how it worked out. If you can’t think of any examples, check-in with friends and family about their experiences. Chances are, you may have been told this kind of thinking is illogical, and you don’t even realize how much you’re blocking now.
    
2. Listen carefully. As fundraising professionals, this is already a huge part of our role.  Remember at first, though, how difficult it may have been to adjust to listening 70% of the time during donor conversations? Take it a step further now by also listening to your gut.
    
3. Quiet your mind. You can learn to do so by being aware of your ongoing chatter, which clutters the possibility of listening and getting clear direction. I find my guidance is distinct in that my normal mind chatter starts with “I should…” but my intuition starts with “You will …” or a distinct direction like “It’s time to leave.”   I also find the guidance comes quickly and effortlessly and always with a positive tone.
    
4. To tap in, try taking a walk or focusing using deep breaths to observe the observer.  To explore this further, find yourself a meditation, mindfulness, intuition or yoga class or webinar.
    
5. Be grateful. We all know about the attitude of gratitude, which plays a key role in philanthropy and a more fulfilling life. Some gurus say that saying “thank you” in itself is a form of meditation. You can steward gifts of intuition by being thankfully aware and open for more. 

Then much like the donor cycle, listen for guidance, follow your gut, be gracious and repeat.

I have a hunch it will work for you!