Learning by Listening Adaptively

Build in the space for adaptation

In our overly planned and objective-focused world, often we forget to build in the space and time needed for adaptation. We become so focused on the goal that we can lose sight of the importance to pause and consider a change for a better outcome. 

Being in the midst of adaptation can be uncomfortable as one considers a change from the original path, goal, or way of functioning. Let’s face it, no one likes to be uncomfortable. Fortunately, it is in the adaptation that learning and growth occur.

One of the greatest attributes we share with our clients as process consultants is a calm and encouraging presence with keen listening. We take time to listen for when adapting might be needed. We help clients move through the uncomfortableness and unknowns to consider new possibilities to move their organizations and their leadership forward.

Applying This to Philanthropy

Several examples come to mind of how listening adaptively plays out in successful ways as I work with nonprofit leaders. This happens when, as a process consultant, I ask powerful questions from a place of curiosity for the clients’ learning. These questions come from listening for context, and in recognition of the nonprofit leader’s creativity, knowledge, and their ability to adapt and discover the outcomes that are best for their organization. 

Campaign planning studies and internal organizational discovery are conducted to gain an understanding of an organization’s capacity for fundraising success and the likelihood of reaching a campaign goal. Both are examples of creating space for adapting and learning. 

During internal discovery, to best understand the organization’s capacity, I ask those working within the organization questions that have the potential to uncover necessary change. These questions seek to better understand the context and history of an organization, with an eye on how philanthropy is advancing the organization’s mission. Internal discovery has resulted in leaders learning how their fundraising systems or staffing model needs to shift to best serve their community. It has uncovered a desire for coaching for the philanthropy team and/or the board of directors to ensure they are best prepared to meet with donors and inspire their support. It may point to adaptation that will challenge the stability and security of the status quo yet lead to a stronger culture of philanthropy and nonprofit. When an organization embarks on internal discovery, they have taken an important step in listening adaptively.

One of my most honored experiences as a consultant is to meet with an organization’s external key stakeholders to listen to their insights and reaction to the organization’s case for support and proposed campaign. A campaign planning study is all about careful and adaptive listening to those closest to an organization. Organizational leaders consider the feedback from the campaign planning study by listening adaptively to the findings that I present. This helps the nonprofit leaders best decide how the organization and campaign leadership will re-align if needed towards their campaign goals. Their learning from the feedback informs how they will proceed, and when listening adaptively, they remain open to new possibilities for their campaign, and ultimately advance the organization’s reason for being.

As a process consultant, I trust people to use their instincts, creativity, and knowledge to adapt and move in new directions when needed. I am there to guide this process, and thoughtful questions serve as the catalyst for the leader’s learning and to foster their ability to adapt.

I would be honored to hear what is most pressing for you and your organization and together learn how adaptive listening can be of great benefit to you and your organization’s philanthropy. I invite you to send me an email at katef@designgroupintl.com or give me a call at 616-901-1190. It would be great to hear from you!

Walking alongside,

Kate Frillmann
Design Group International
Senior Consultant

The core competencies of process consulting have been developed and are taught by the Society for Process Consulting. If you are interested in receiving your credential in process consulting please visit our website.