Recently, I was asked to sit on the board of a non-profit in Center City Philadelphia. Anticipation was plentiful. I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn more and help solve a few issues during my term. The board room was full of eager people. 12 overacheivers sharpening their proverbial pencils. With introductions complete, the first question posed to me at the meeting was "Carly, would you like to host a party for all of our donars that contribute at the $5,000 mark or higher in the spring?" "The purpose of the party is to fundraise for the organization. The headcount should be somewhere between 80 and 100 people."  Wow! BOLD ASK. My jaw dropped. I graciously replied I would give it reasonable consideration and would let them know at the next meeting. Carly-on-the-spot? Really? Pressure much?#firstmeeting.

Without hesitation, I asked to review the financials. It was an easy decision for me. "NO." I believe this organization needed a long term and short term plan. How about a business plan? Pronto! Contributing financially was not in the cards until the budget was reviewed, approved and done a second time. Out of control spending and no real development plan. Meanwhile, another individual embraced the request and did a centerfold in a high society magazine, highlighting the organization. I was shocked. I proceeded to ask a couple of trusted advisors why someone would check their financial brain at the door. The money bucket wore a giant hole at the bottom. Sustainability was not in the cards.

The display of the human ego was evident in the individual. Do our principals for life get checked at the door when making decisions? Do we make decisions with our heart or our head? Are financial deicisions the same for everyone? What is your relationship with money? Do we play the hero? Enabling bad behavior? Encouraging bad financial habits for short term success? Turn a blind eye?

Enlighten me, Gotham.