Anniversaries & Gratitude
Anniversaries give us the opportunity to reflect on the journey that has taken us to this moment, all those who have supported us on the way, and then look up and ahead to what may come next.
Time as a Commodity: Governance
The first article in our Time as a Commodity series, here we explore the implications to volunteerism and our governance structures.
Developing Executive Presence
A balance of competence, confidence, and humility is that which composes executive presence.
Building Inclusivity
Over October 4 – 6, 2022 there will be a conference that “empowers association leaders to face today’s most critical issues.” I will not be attending. And the reason why frustrates me just as much as missing the event.
An executive committee recalibration
The challenge we currently face is one of leaders who have just come out of a period of crisis response where executive committees have been expected to engage in a different type of rapid, frequent decision making for the organization. Because cascading societal disruption has caused organizations to be in crisis response mode, executive committees have taken on responsibilities which in ‘normal’ times, would have been within the purview of the board or staff.
Strengthening Organizational Leadership through Scenario Planning
Over the course of a pandemic, workforce disruption, political discord, race relations, and more, we have seen organizations who shifted from a single, reactive response to a proactive scenario planning approach were better situated to navigate these rocky waters.
Meaningful Organizational Narratives
Over 100 years ago, John Dewey wrote that “all communication is educative.” Yet, as we live in an ever-noisier world, our organizations often approach communication from a place of desperation to feel ‘heard.’ From more emails, to post after post on social media, they are trying anything possible to connect with their members.
Leadership Reflections: Eyes to the Horizon
At what point does disruption become normative? After two years of change, associations have become better surfers, becoming more adept at riding the waves of ups and downs, of challenge and opportunity that have become the de rigeur. Despite this, it is not atypical to still hear organizational leaders talk about “going back” to previous practice, circumstances, and norms.
Leadership Insights: Silence is not Affirmation
When it comes to building strong leadership partnerships with your Board of Directors, silence is not golden. Without their input, without their voice, it is too easy to assume that quiet is confirmation when it may actually be reservation. Here is one approach to structure better Board voice.
How Unanimity Can Weaken Association Boards
As champions of organizational vision, mission, and strategy, our Boards of Directors should have unified voice in how they tell the story of their associations.
It Might Be the Right Time to Do Strategy If...
New board members coming in must see within the strategy of the organization an inspirational, robust, and innovative pathway to a better future.
CEO Insights: Board Relationship Dashboard
The nurturing of the CEO-Board relationship is a key element to a successful, strong partnership between staff and volunteer leadership.
A Moment of Malleability
Let’s define what we actually want to design, what we actually want to create, what we want to embody in our organization, in our systems, in our staff, and among leadership.
Associations 2021: Building New Norms
Possibility. If I was going to capture what 2021 is bringing it with it – there is amazing potential and possibility.
Advice to Associations: Six Perspectives
On a recent brain-share call with a handful of #association partner colleagues, we realized that aspects of our conversation could prove useful for the greater community. With thanks to Mary Byers, Jeff Cobb, Seth Kahan, Bruce Rosenthal, and Celisa Steele.
Introducing Responsible Transparency
In the democratic systems that guide the governance of #nonprofits, there is an inherent expectation of transparency allowing the system of leadership to operate from a place of trust and confidence in partnership with those they serve.
