Associations are struggling to attract experienced volunteer leaders, and resources are stretched thin. While a senior association manager for an Association Management Company (AMC), I’ve spent many years developing, implementing, and measuring association strategic plans; the process always benefits from fresh perspectives and the right tools. The Strategic plan [...]
We live in a time where “being connected” is a part of life. As a leader of an Association, it is important to be connected. Connected to the board, to members, to stakeholders, and to the association executive (CEO or Executive Director). The challenge today is how to [...]
Let’s face it, the most common thing is that everyone’s calendars are already jam-packed, and finding the time to meet with your Board can be difficult. Add in coming to an agreeable meeting frequency with Board Members, and this becomes a common challenge many associations face today. So, how often should Association Boards meet? The answer depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of [...]
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 [...]
Not all chairs are created equal! Being an executive director at an association management company (AMC) gives me a valuable perspective on what an “effective” chair for a Board or committee meeting looks like. The job of a Board or committee chair is not easy, and it is getting [...]
The ground is shifting beneath our feet. Advancements in technology, evolving societal values, and global interconnectedness are reshaping the landscape for associations. The old ways of doing things, while comfortable, are no longer sufficient. Association Boards must embrace a new paradigm: governing as an intentional and dynamic process focused [...]
Building on my July 2024 blog, To Meet or Not to Meet. That is the Question, let's explore a process your Board can use for a meaningful discussion on this topic. Recently a client talked about their annual conference (or do you mean AGM?) and felt overwhelmed by all [...]
I remember fondly, the activity of setting up the water pump to draw water from a nearby lake every spring at the family cottage. This activity would ensure that we had enough water on hand for the entire season. My dad referred to this activity as “priming the pump.” [...]
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. [...]
