Introverts Can Be Great Fund Raisers, Too

Chicago

While many believe fund raisers must be extroverted to be successful, an introvert’s preferences can also be an asset on the job, said Eva E. Aldrich and Tyrone M. Freeman, associate directors at the Fund Raising School at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Ms. Aldrich and Mr. Freeman spoke today to a room made up primarily of self-identified introverts at the AFP International Conference of Fundraisers. The pair used the Myers-Briggs definition of “introversion,” saying that introverts gain more energy from thinking and reflecting than they do from socializing.

“It’s not a good thing or a bad thing, it’s just about where you put your energy,” Mr. Freeman said.

The key skills for a successful fund raiser—integrity, commitment to the cause, honesty and intelligence—have nothing to do with being an introvert or an extrovert, he said. Even in interpersonal relationships, introverts have a natural skill for building deep relationships and listening to others.

“Introverts do not like dominating conversations, and they are very comfortable with silence,” said Mr. Freeman. “That’s important for major gifts, asking and then being quiet, waiting for the donor to answer.”

Still, introverts should try to leave their comfort zone by reaching out more, especially on initial contacts. Even in those situations, introverts can use their strengths by preparing themselves through research and writing out conversation starters before a meeting.

For extroverts working with introverts—either donors or colleagues in the office—it’s important to allow them time for reflection, leave gaps in conversations that allow them to speak, and save time for solitude.