First, organizations should focus on fostering solid group communication and team collaboration skills. Thus, solid teamwork, trust and camaraderie are already in place, as is a dependable plan and method for dealing with conflict. Then, tackling any issue is easier, whether it relates to high-profile donors or another topic.

Listen to All Sides: Gather each team member’s perspective on handling donor relationships. Focus on Donor Goals: Align strategies with what’s most valuable to the donor, not individual preferences. Define Roles Clearly: Assign specific roles in donor stewardship to avoid overlap and confusion. Encourage Collaboration: Promote a team approach, emphasizing that everyone shares the same goal. Create a Unified Plan: Develop a clear, agreed-upon stewardship plan to ensure consistent messaging and actions. Resolving conflicts starts with alignment on donor goals and a cohesive team strategy.

Start by aligning on shared goals enhancing donor relationships and maximizing impact. Facilitate an open discussion to understand each team member's perspective and ideas, then identify common ground. Prioritize approaches based on donor interests, historical engagement, and relationship building potential. Implement a collaborative stewardship plan that defines clear roles and sets metrics for success, ensuring that each team member feels valued. Regular check-ins can help adjust the approach as needed, fostering unity and donor satisfaction.