Here's how you can identify and prioritize the skills needed for a successful career in Philanthropy.

Listening closely to develop authentic and trusted relationships which, in turn, honor donor interests and intent are significant for a successful and long term career in philanthropy.

Here is the paradigm shift: the foremost skill one needs in philanthropy is the cultivated capability of authentic friendship. According to Aristotle, authentic friendship means "one soul living in two bodies". Contrast this type of relationship with friendship for pleasure or friendship for transactional purposes. Should one practice authentic friendship, she might aspire to creating and sustaining long-term transformational relationships. In this way, you begin to pay attention to the dreams and needs of your friends. You begin to genuinely help them to realize fuller lives as they help others. Naturally, this all important point of departure encompasses a wide range of soft skills.

I recently visited with a retired faculty member about starting a scholarship. We met years ago when she helped establish a memorial fund for her colleague here at the university. You never know how you'll be connected to those you meet. It can be easy to wear blinders and exclude those close to you as stakeholders and part of your network.

Understanding multiple aspects of the organization you represent, including current and future programming, past successes, and key mile stones builds credibility, as well as helps inspire and connect generosity with legacy giving. Being adept at story telling doesn't hurt either, especially for those who have given and are encouraged by the impact of their personal financial support.

The most important ethic for all fundraisers to understand is that your mandate is the same as all program staff: serving the mission and community of your organization. Make sure that the needs of your clients or cause are always prioritized in your fundraising and that your efforts are devoted to providing resources to that cause and to your program staff. Keep in mind that fundraising is a support department, and that fundraising should not be the primary driver of program design or delivery.