"Clients are timid, frightened creatures in the main, too often unable or unwilling to grasp real opportunities for fear that this might render them liable to criticism, or that the suggested initiative might fail. Or that it might entail extra work and inconvenience or,… well, whatever."
I don't for a moment believe that I have the right to make judgements about my clients. But I find them to be people of great integrity: thoughtful, generous and committed.
Perhaps it is fair to say that the fundraising sector is not always the most dynamic. And the need to take care of precious resources (the original meaning of 'stewardship') can lead to a cautious approach to new opportunities and changes of direction. But we shouldn't equate the desire to reflect on challenges and to take time over important decisions with timidity and indolence.
Timid or thoughtful? Lazy or committed? What do you think? And, if you're a client, how would you assess your suppliers?
