Dear Dee:
I need advice on how to decline a proposition in a nice and understanding way. A close friend approached me with a nonprofit business idea. I loved it however not really 100% on board. We both have a passion for creating a better environment and lifestyle for our community we’re not on the same page.
Please help!
Dream deferred
Dear Dream Deferred:
A nonprofit!! That is awesome. Exciting to hear you the passion for helping out those in your community. Having the passion leaves the room to compromise to get this nonprofit going. Your deferred dream might have a full tank of gas in no time. See the light.
After all, you said, “I love it, however, not really 100% on board”. I am assuming you are in the early phase of starting the nonprofit. If you did not already sit down to go over the concerns, set up a meeting and do so. The book is not closed yet. Talk. Talk. Talk.
Some steps you should consider:
- Review the nonprofit proposition again.
- Write out your concerns, reasons why they are concerns and some possible solutions. Focus.
- During the meeting, you both need to understand each other perspective.
- Is there an opportunity to divide and conquer the roles?
Focus
Let’s say you are 70% on board for this nonprofit business idea. That is great headway to joining and pursuing your passion! Now direct your focus to the 30% weight that can lead to a deal breaker. I am sure the good that the nonprofit organization will bring in the community is in the 70%. What is the potential impact of not advocating the lifestyle in the community?
If there is an opportunity for you to take lead on your 30% must-haves. Look at that as a possible solution. You have to understand the reason your friend opposes to including it in the proposition. Write a clause to revisit or put in place later if that would help. Sometimes it could be timing. Possible divide and conquer the roles to meet the bigger picture.
Weigh the good with the bad and act on your passion. Stay true to you and make your decision. There seem to room to make sure everyone is on board. Again, focus on how to make it work. A community could always use good people.
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Good Luck
Dream Deferred to Dream Decide
HEHV Comment