Strategic Planning is NOT Strategic Thinking

Strategic Thinking is not Strategic Planning – Why? What are the Differences? How to Engage More Strategic Thinking with Boards and Staff? While related, strategic thinking and strategic planning are distinct concepts that serve different organizational purposes. Understanding these differences and fostering strategic thinking can significantly enhance an organization’s effectiveness and adaptability. Strategic Thinking: Strategic […]

5 Key Initiatives Nonprofit Associations Should Plan for 2025

2024 has reached its mid-point, and planning for 2025 is or should be underway. Consider five initiatives associations should make strategic decisions for as they plan for the upcoming year to ensure their operations remain effective, impactful, and foresight-driven. These five are not in priority order butare seen as a whole. 1.   Embrace Digital Transformation […]

Compensation and the Female Cohort

Word Count – 745 – 5 Minutes Read Addressing the Gender Compensation Gap in Nonprofits: A Call for Equitable Change As we enter the season when numerous foundations and research organizations release their compensation studies for the nonprofit and tax-exempt sectors, a familiar and troubling pattern emerges: female CEOs continue to be paid significantly less […]

Strategic Talent Development for Associations: Nurturing Excellence

Word Count – 357 – 3 Minute Read As an association leader, you understand that your people are your most valuable assets. Nurturing talent isn’t just a nice-to-have; I have said it before and I will again, is a strategic imperative. This blog will go deeper into talent development, explore actionable strategies, and discuss how […]

Board Governance – The Association Achilles Heel

Word Count480 – 2 ½ Minute read Improving governance is complex for executives because it brings a real personal risk. The role of association governance requires a radical overhaul. We must radically adapt our governance structure and director know-how to meet the challenges of an environment fundamentally being altered by new economics, social change, internal […]

Building Stronger Teams: Unleashing the Power of TEAM

Word count: 298 – 2 Minute Read Our previous discussion highlighted the importance of investing in professional development within associations. Today, let’s delve into another crucial aspect: team development. After all, Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM). Identifying and leveraging the diverse personalities within a team is vital to unlocking its full potential. Here are some […]

Personal Development and Productivity

Word Count 347 – 2-minute read. Personal development begins with a mindset of lifelong learning. There’s always room for growth, whether it’s acquiring new skills, expanding our knowledge base, or honing our leadership capabilities. Association professionalscan access a wealth of resources, from industry conferences and workshops to online courses and professional certifications. By actively seeking […]

The Vital Role of Associations in Addressing America’s Major Problems

Word count 466 – 2 Minute read While corporations often dominate headlines, associations quietly contribute to public discourse and problem-solving. There is no good reason why the Association Community should be so quiet. Associations can elevate the conversation and demonstrate value as we experience significant societal challenges. According to the Pew Research Center (study September […]

Curiosity: The Fuel of Innovation and Strategy

In personal growth and success, Curiosity is a powerful force that drives action and fuels strategic thinking. It is where ideas collide, strategies evolve, foresight takes place, and markets shift. Curiosity exists and propels a potent force that moves organizations forward. ” Curiosity, we all know, is the spark that can lead to breakthrough innovation. […]

Maintaining Dominance: How Associations Can Deliver High-Quality Expertise in the Age of Social Media and AI

In an era where information spreads like wildfire across social media platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms shape our content consumption, associations face a critical challenge: maintaining their position as trusted sources of factual expertise. The Changing Landscape Associations have long been stalwarts of factual content, serving their members and the public with accurate, reliable […]