So…Everybody needs something and there’s only so much to get. How do the people who decide…decide? Who gets the resources?
I don’t know how it works in your organization but there are some basic principles to keep in mind to ensure that you don’t do something to mess it up for your area. This isn’t a post about taking away from others…it is a post about not giving it away because you were stupid.
For background on this post and where this info comes from read Part 1 Here.
Always - Present your Idea within the context of mission and strategy. At North Point small groups are central. For middleschoolers, attention is always an issue. It was an easy ask to get some more small group rooms built even though it was an expensive ask. For middleschool small groups…containment is key. 16 groups in a large room will never cut it for quality community. When presented in the context of mission and strategy, there was no doubt that the leadership wanted to help. It was just a matter of “when.” When the money was available…we got our small group rooms. It was huge for us and continues to be!
Never - Assume you are different or smarter than those who came before you. There is nothing new under the sun. The “thing” rarely is the important part…it’s the strategy behind it. Why do you have a climbing wall? Why do you have a coffee shop? Why are you starting a new campus? “It’s new” is not a reason to spend money. If the strategy is solid….bring on the climbing wall, coffee shop, new campus and the tattoo parlor….err…scratch that last one.
Always - shop prices. Don’t present a project without getting a few quotes. One of the worst things you can do is present your proposal and make it obvious you’ve already wasted money.
Never - Get wrapped up in the “excellence” trap. What do you need to do…in order to do what you want to do…as well as you need to do it? I wrote a bit about this in my post on “Excellence” (You can read that HERE). I see this a lot with sound system’s in youth rooms. There is a point when a 10% cost increase get’s you 50% more quality…then there is a point where a 4X cost increase get’s you 10% more quality. Buy wisely…but don’t get wrapped up in having the greatest system of all time! Get the right one for you.
Always – Present Pro’s and Con’s. It should be clear you are aware of the limitations of what you want to buy. There is no perfect solution to an issue. Be clear that you know the down side…and you are still comfortable making the purchase.
Never – Chase other organizations. Everyone else is doing it is a terrible reason to spend money. It may make sense to do it…but competition is not ever going to be a good reason. If you work for an unhealthy organization, this may be the reason you get something…Bad leadership is not reason for you to have an unhealthy program. Lead up!
Always – Get to know your “money person.” Learn how he/she thinks. Let them in on how you think. Let them in on your passion and vision. Help them understand how to help you and how to understand your strengths and limitationa when it comes to this. I learned a ton from Rick at lunch and loved getting to know him better.
I told you Rick had some good stuff! That’s just half of it.
