Just imagine: you ask five members of your association what their top priorities are right now; what would they say? Would they know where the association is headed? What is the Board focused on? What progress has been made? Or would they give you five very different answers? Over [...]
In most associations, the transition from Board chair to past chair happens at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). On paper, it’s straightforward: a motion is passed, officers change, and the new chair steps in, but in practice, it’s one of the most important and fragile governance moments your organization [...]
In recent weeks, a striking headline in The Wall Street Journal caught my attention: “CEOs Are Furious About Employees Texting in Meetings.” Well-known people in the business world, like Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase, have bluntly called out the behaviour: “If you have an iPad in front of me [...]
Recently, I was inspired by the insights shared in Littleford & Associates’ blog, " The Three Important Tools to Lengthen Head Tenure". An article written for chairs of independent schools. With the author’s permission, I’m pleased to share this adaptation geared towards Canadian associations that reflects on the ideologies [...]
Navigating the waters of member and public inquiries is a nuanced responsibility for association Board members. This intersection between governance and operations necessitates a balance, keeping members informed while efficiently channeling questions to the right people. Efficient management of such inquiries not only upholds our association's professional image but [...]
As the cost of hosting association events continues to rise, association leaders find themselves navigating an intricate dance of budgeting, a task that is both challenging and essential for the vitality of our organizations. Price hikes in AV technology, catering, and travel can feel overwhelming. However, by grounding ourselves [...]
As an association management company (AMC) owner and association executive, I've observed many dedicated volunteer leaders who serve on association Boards. Their commitment and passion for their missions drive their associations forward. However, one of the challenges these Boards often face is the tendency to take on too much, [...]
The effectiveness of a Board is pivotal to the success and growth of every association. One of the most powerful tools at the disposal of association volunteer leaders is a Board self-evaluation. This process is not just a formality but a critical mechanism to ensure that the Board is [...]
Stepping into the role of a Board chair and hosting your first association Annual General Meeting (AGM) can be a daunting task. The AGM is a pivotal event in the life of an association, serving as a platform for engaging with the membership. The AGM is not just a [...]
I've been thinking a lot about what frustrates association volunteer leaders based on my own experience and those I work with. I now see the work of associations divided into two columns: proactive work and reactive work. Some might see proactive work as positive and reactive work as negative. [...]
