Association Leadership - November/December 2007 - (Page 26)

case study Association Case A Who is Minding the Store – CASE SOLUTION 1. The chief staff executive must always be vigilant with regard to changing dynamics that could affect the continued stability and viability of the organization. He/she must evaluate the implications of such dynamics and report them to the board within a reasonable time frame. 2. The CEO must take a proactive role Phil Amodeo when identifying and evaluating Executive Director these issues. Analyzing their impact, Texas Lathing & Plastering Contractors Association both good and bad, must be carefully undertaken to avoid announcing a “sky is falling” scenario when thatmay not be the case. Once a preliminary analysis has been made, the CEO should share his/her ﬁndings and conclusions in a timely fashion with the chairman/ president and the executive board, depending on the organization’s elected leadership structure. 3. It is my opinion that the strategic or long-range planning committee should focus primarily on known variable and objectives. While the committee should look forward in its deliberations, attempting to play a limitless “what if” game would open a bottomless pit of scenarios that would interfere with the planning process. 4. Not necessarily. That depends on the dynamics of the industry or profession. Some organizations are driven from “top-down” scenarios, while others are “bottom-up” in nature. There may be differences between trade associations and individual membership societies, too, since membership involvement and participation may differ based on their respective structures. Ultimately, all levels of membership must get involved, regardless of which one dominates the industry or profession. 5. For the CEO, initially consult with fellow association colleagues through TSAE or ASAE to solicit ideas from others who may have experienced similar challenges. This will allow the CEO to suggest realistic solutions once the matter goes to the board. From there, the process is no different than for any other challenge or opportunity, where the issue is assigned to the appropriate committee or task force for further study and recommendations. successful association CEO was conﬁdent his organization was running smoothly. Finances were in place, member interest was strong and staff members were dedicated and enthusiastic. Yet he believed a critical piece was missing in his assessment. He asked himself: Is it possible for some external force or outside event to occur at a level which would disrupt the entire industry the association exists to serve? Are we aware of all the competition out there? Are there trends that we need to be watching? Who is supposed to be minding the store? Considering the potential impact of an external force – be it a technological innovation, a changing demographic trend, a workforcerelated concern, catastrophic weather or some other event – how might an association prepare? 1. Who is responsible for identifying the potential of such an event and bringing it to the board’s attention? 2. What role does the CEO have in considering the range of potential events and their impact? When and how does the CEO notify the association’s leadership? 3. Do the strategic or long-range planning committees include “what if” exercises as a part of regular responsibilities? 4. Do local or statewide organizations rely on national leadership to conduct this sort of planning? 5. What steps are taken by the CEO and/or board once a potential event is identiﬁed as realistic? 26 Association LEADERSHIP | November/December 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Association Leadership - November/December 2007

Association Leadership - November/December 2007 Contents Chairman’s Column Homepage 60-Second Solutions TSAE Annual Meeting and Educational Conference Award Winners Event Sponsors Conference Highlights Adaptability During Difficult Times/Reinvented Associations 7 Measures of Success: Organizational Adaptability Crisis Calling Association Case Study: Who is Minding the Store – External Factors Between the Covers New Members Community Spotlight El Paso Index to Advertisers/Advertisers.com Board of Directors

Association Leadership - November/December 2007

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