Go With Your Gut

I was reminiscing about a wonderful mentor recently with a good friend, Jerry Williams, who is executive director of Leadership Nashville.

Nelson Andrews was a guiding force behind much good that took place in Nashville for generations. He would be proud — deservedly so — for the community's status as an "it" city.

His credo hangs over my desk: "May I deal with honor. May I act with courage. May I achieve humility."

Jerry and I were discussing how much we miss his wise counsel and quiet help in making connections with great people.

I could write volumes on his advice, but there is one thing I'll never forget. He asked, "Do you know the time you should fire someone?" I thought, a bit bewildered. "The first time you think of it," he said.

Had I heeded his counsel earlier in my career — and even since then — I would have saved a lot of grief and seen much better results.

Nelson was saying to go with your gut and make a decision.

This goes beyond personnel decisions — though that also rings true. Only once in my decades of hiring people have I truly reversed a decision on someone. I'll never forget how, at that friend and colleague's retirement, he thanked me for pushing him to a new level. It was exasperating, I have to admit. But rewarding!

If you are struggling with an employee or a board member and your gut says to move him or her along, then make a plan and do it!

Likewise, if your gut says to reach out to a new potential donor, or a current or lapsed donor — do it. Discern. Take action! Go with your gut and you'll end up with less stress and greater results for your organization.