They called him -
(Can you finish the sentence?)
They called him Mike.
Elimelech “Mike” Tress became famous for rescuing countless Jews from the Holocaust in Europe - and from the spiritual holocaust of 20th-century America.
Among the many incredible traits that enabled him to achieve what he did, his communication skills serve as a model Jewish leaders today would do well to follow.
As seen in his biography: ‘They called him Mike.’ by Rabbi Yonason Rosenblum,
“Almost from his first days in Zeirei, Mike set out to create a broad grassroots movement. His guiding insight from the beginning was that such a movement would have to be centered around the youth.
“He never stopped talking about the necessity of getting the youth and the dire consequences that would follow from failing to do so. “If we can get another five boys, they’ll each bring in another five” was the battle plan from which he never wavered.”
This little excerpt teaches us 3 key insights into how we can communicate so others take action:
- Share a vision
- Share the stakes
- Share a plan
Vision
“He never stopped talking about the necessity of getting the youth…”
Mike shared his vision. And then repeated over and over, till everyone understood it clearly and had it at the front of their minds.
You can do the same.
Share your vision with everyone - yourself, your team, your board, your donors. And keep repeating it. Make sure it’s perfectly clear in everyone’s minds.
A clear vision is crucial to inspire action. So get clear on your vision, on the problem that it solves. And then - never stop talking about it.
Stakes
“...and the dire consequences that would follow from failing to do so.”
An important part of inspiring action includes helping people clearly understand the stakes they’re up against.
What wonderful things will happen if your donors, colleagues, team members, or alumni act? What terrible things will happen if they don’t?
Lay it out for them. And keep repeating it, too.
Plan
‘“If we can get another five boys, they’ll each bring in another five’ was the battle plan from which he never wavered.”
If the vision and the stakes are enough to inspire people toward action, the plan is what helps them figure out what taking action actually needs to look like.
Mike’s plan was clear. It was simple. It was measurable. It promised bold, impactful results.
What’s your “five boys” plan?
Can you simplify it into one, two, or even three steps? Can you clearly outline how it will bring you the results you want?
Are your donors clear on how they can help you achieve your vision?
This week, how can Reb Mike’s communication insights guide your fundraising efforts?
Freilichen Chanukah,
Avraham
© Avraham Lewis & Co.