Leadership

Judge Mark D. Atkinson JD, CAE, CEO, Texas Center for the Judiciary has been a TSAE member since 2013 and earned his CAE in February of this year. Below he shares his first-hand experience of preparing to take the CAE Exam last December and what it has meant to his career as an association executive. When I was first selected ...

Many associations today are experiencing or anticipating leadership transitions as long-time CEOs/executive directors reach retirement age. But not all organizations are doing the succession planning they should be. “No one really wants to have the conversation,” observed David Martin, managing partner with Sterling Martin Associates, an association CEO search firm. If the CEO brings up the conversation, the board might think the ...

Let’s face it, no one likes to have difficult conversations because, well, they are difficult. Unfortunately, putting off important conversations only makes them more difficult and can often damage relationships in the process. One of the most important jobs of an association leader is to give employees coaching and feedback. And while not always pleasant, a well-planned conversation can go a ...

I can’t believe it’s been 15 years since I read Jim Collins’ book, “Good to Great.” I remember being very impressed by the book at the time, both the concepts and the depth of the research that went into it. A lot of the ideas resonated with me, and it was satisfying to know there was correlational research to support ...

Leadership TSAE is a nine-month program designed to help association professionals develop essential skills while creating a community within TSAE. We wanted to share some of this class’ experience so you could learn how your fellow members are learning from and engaging with TSAE, as well as gain ideas to incorporate into your own leadership programs. To learn more, visit ...

I was recently speaking at a conference in Philadelphia, and while doing a book signing after the presentation, a man walked up, put his hands on the table, looked right at me and said, “Dude, I thought my life was crappy. How do you keep getting back up after you’ve been knocked down?” I wasn’t sure whether to take it ...

On November 28, 2016, Steven Stout, CAE, joined TSAE as the new Chief Paid Staff Officer. Stout, a TSAE member for 10 years and past board member, had previously been with Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals (HFTP®) for 14 years. He is a nationally recognized association leader, past participant in the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Diversity Executive Leadership ...