A lot of thought and energy goes into preparing the agenda for an association’s board of directors meeting. However, without proper planning and structure, a strong board can easily lose track of priorities throughout the meeting. Planning an agenda and ensuring that board members arrive prepared is equally about [...]
Delegating tasks to both association volunteers and staff is a primary role of association leaders. Considering that delegation is integral in the day-to-day work in associations, can we then assume that association leaders are good at it? The answer is, not necessarily. Delegation is not a skill that most [...]
It’s no secret that budgeting is a vital part of running a successful association. Often it can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. With effective budgeting, you will be able to ensure your association is set up for long term viability by focusing [...]
For all associations that our company manages, a board binder is created. The board binder stores several important documents and information regarding that association and is an important resource for all board members and association staff. Why have a board binder? The board binder serves a number of purposes: [...]
Whether you are the Chair of an association board of directors, or the chief staff officer (Executive Director), facilitating tough conversations at the board level isn’t always easy. The best way to handle tough conversations is through open and transparent dialogue and, whenever possible, by arranging face to face [...]
For many associations, board turnover is perpetual. This can be great for an association but can also be disruptive. It is important to be prepared for a new group of volunteers and to empower them to use their capabilities to perform to the best of their ability, ultimately resulting [...]
We’ve all heard the expression “Jack or Jill of all trades”. When it comes to leadership in the association management world, this expression couldn’t be more relevant. Association leadership takes many forms. There are many traits that association leaders need to possess if they are going to succeed. Indeed, [...]
A new member’s first interaction with an association can make a lasting impression. There are a variety of different ways that you can onboard your members. It is important to personalize your member initiation to the particular needs of the new member based on what their expectations are. Every member relationship [...]
In my previous blog article, Things Change – Change in Associations and the Role of the Association Leader, I explored the catalysts for change in associations, and how changes can be internal and external. I went through the types of change, as well as the different leadership styles which [...]
One of the things I have noticed in my experience as an accounting manager is that when it comes to association finances, in many cases the only people familiar with them are the finance staff and board members. Most of the time this is because that is how it’s [...]
