What type of coach are you?

Spend a few minutes in a youth baseball dugout this summer and you’ll hear constant coaching: encouragement, instruction, course corrections, and celebration. Players don’t improve because someone reviews the scoreboard after the game. They improve because a coach is invested in their development every step of the way.

P2P fundraising teams are no different.

Too many fundraising leaders spend 1:1 meetings reviewing activity reports and asking for updates. Great coaching goes beyond accountability. It develops people, builds confidence, and drives action.

Coach for action, not updates

Use 1:1 meetings to move beyond activity reports and focus on questions that uncover what’s working, what’s stuck, and what needs to happen next. Don’t settle for vague answers. Push for specifics, numbers, and timelines that create clarity, accountability, and forward momentum.

Practice live conversations

Great fundraisers are developed through real conversations, not screens. Role-play (yes, role-play!) fundraiser visits, discovery meetings,  and challenging discussions. Help staff practice going off script, listening actively, and responding authentically in the moment. 

Break big goals into achievable wins

Annual fundraising targets can be overwhelming. Focus on what needs to happen in the next two weeks and create manageable milestones that allow staff to experience success throughout the year. Celebrate wins along the way to build confidence and momentum.

Intervene early and model the behavior you expect

Never assume new or veteran staff know exactly what to do in every situation. Demonstrate urgency, clarity, and strong fundraising practices. Challenges addressed early can be solved – challenges ignored often become crises. 

The best fundraising leaders aren’t coaching from the stands. They’re in the dugout, helping their team succeed long before the final score is posted.