Respectful

People who communicate effectively are open to divergent opinions and views. They listen actively and thoughtfully, even when they disagree with what’s being said.

Active, respectful listening is not just something individuals need to master, however. Institutions committed to social change should also strive to make it a cultural norm, especially when it comes to communications.

You can think of respect as inclusivity’s close cousin. Seek out contrarian perspectives. Be polite and open to alternative ways of thinking about and solving problems. Always assume positive intent. Don’t interrupt. Consider that your approach may not always right. And accept that diverse points of view have inherent value.

Whether you work for a foundation with significant financial resources or a small nonprofit providing critical community services, there will always be things that you don’t know or insights to be learned from others. Embracing this fact heightens your awareness and expands your capacity to be truly engaged, alert and responsive. That makes you a better communicator.

by the numbers

23%

Americans who say that most people they meet have very good manners (Public Agenda).

42%

Drop in perceived respect parents have for teachers, from 91% to 49% (Harris Poll).
SOURCE

95%

Percentage of Americans surveyed who believe we have a civility problem (Weber Shandwick).
SOURCE

tips and insights

The public’s confidence in public institutions has declined over the last four decades (University of Chicago).
SOURCE

“Learning in public” can be one of the best ways to demonstrate humility and respect; better, in fact, than staying quiet.

It isn’t enough just to listen to people; philanthropic and nonprofit institutions need to be willing to act on the feedback they hear.

Voices

Communication enhances the value of our work as a team. If we are serious about moving the dial on the issues we care about, we have to engage our stakeholders.

COMMUNICATION LEADER Private Foundation

Since grantees are hands-on, they frequently have better policy contacts and credibility than a foundation executive.

COMMUNICATION LEADER Nonprofit

The biggest gap I see is in communication with donors or funders, which happens quickly, and communication with constituents, which always seems to happen last minute, with less intention, and often different quality.

PROGRAM LEADER Nonprofit

Exemplars

exemplar

Haas Leadership Initiative

Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund

The Haas Leadership Initiative is designed to be respectful of nonprofit leaders, of the power dynamics between funder and grantee, and of the time and space people need to learn.

exemplar

Grantee Perception Reports

The James Irvine Foundation

The James Irvine Foundation—like a growing number of other foundations—makes the full Grantee Perception Report readily available on their website, along with a number of other assessments and evaluations of their work.

exemplar

MomsRising.org

MomsRising.org

MomsRising respects the roles and perspectives of moms when engaging them to change the world, and builds programming that is driven by their agenda.