Tag Archives: leadership

Go ahead. Google the words “association advocacy” and see what pops up. I recently did the same which resulted in over 87 million hits. American Association for Justice, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National CASA Association … thousands of associations that prominently include the word “advocacy” on their websites. But what does advocacy mean? Is it something handled by your governmental relations ...

Never say no is one of the main rules of improv comedy. While you can’t never say no in your organization, you can still create a culture of yes. Galen Emanuele with Shift Yes used the five main tenets of improv comedy to show attendees how they can build a culture where all ideas and people are respected in “Create ...

At the TSAE Board of Directors annual retreat in early June, Christopher Williston VI, CAE, executive vice president, Independent Bankers Association of Texas, was installed as the 2017-2018 Chairman of TSAE. Williston has been a member since 2006 and served on the board since 2012. He has volunteered in a variety of capacities, including chairing the Magazine and Budget & ...

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 ...

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 ...