As the 2016 presidential election draws closer, many observers are focused on the daily maneuvers of the candidates in an effort to learn how they may govern and operate if elected. However, the campaign process can also teach association executives tactics that may be relevant to their jobs. What follows are eight leadership lessons to take away from the 2016 election season.

Have a plan. Presidential campaigns typically have a formal written plan that includes a strategy, tactics, timeline, and budget. For example, on September 6, Hilary Clinton released Stronger Together, a campaign blueprint. Does your organization have a multiyear strategic plan and a 12-month outline of tactics? Having both will allow you to stay on course and serve your members better.

Build a diverse group of advisers. When Donald Trump first unveiled his 13 economic advisers on August 5, it was quickly noticed that he had more men on his team named Steve (six) than women (zero) and minorities (zero). While Trump has since expanded the group, it serves as a good reminder to association leaders: It's important that your leadership is inclusive and representative of your membership as well as sized correctly to provide sound advice.

Focus your message. Time is a limited commodity, and to be successful, every candidate must have themes and messages that are consistent, loud, and repetitive. What are the specific messages that you want your membership to know about your organization? How do you explain that your group is different than other organizations in the same industry? Does your staff understand your message?

Be quiet sometimes. It's OK to practice the art of silence. When your opponents or competitors are getting bad press, don't interrupt. Get out of the way and let the negative focus remain on their problems.

It's important that your leadership is inclusive and representative of your membership as well as sized correctly to provide sound advice.

Define your association before someone else does. In politics, candidates work to define not only their own brand but also their opponents' brands. While association brand management may not be as aggressive as politics, you need to be mindful of this. Is your association known as leading, nimble, growing, and future-oriented? Or are you the legacy, stodgy, battleship association that is slow to respond? Is your association respectable, reliable, and credible? Both you and your fellow associations are trying to recruit and retain a scarce number of potential members. Ensure you guard your brand against others who may want to change the perception of your association.

Engage on social media. Whether good or bad, social media has made a bigger impact in this election cycle than any other in history, both for breaking news and as a way for citizens to connect with candidates. Even more, Clinton and Trump respond to each other on Twitter, rally Facebook followers, share behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, and use YouTube to replay speeches and campaign ads. Social media can change perceptions and conversations. Consider how you can use it at your association to build community.

Let people join in one click. Former candidate Bernie Sanders raised hundreds of millions of dollars via his website, while Clinton is signing up thousands of volunteers through hers. Trump allows supporters to get tickets to his rallies through his site. Your association must make it easy for people to donate, join, or volunteer online. Can someone join your cause from the landing page of your website in just one click? Do you use pop-up ads like political campaigns?

Prepare for transition. The Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act of 2010 provides support and funding for the leading presidential candidates to start preparing for their incoming administration. It is a formal process that ensures the president-elect is prepared to lead on Inauguration Day. Does your association have a succession and orientation plan in place for its future leadership?

While successful association executives traditionally learn new skills by reading, participating in professional groups, and networking with peers, they should also be watching political campaigns to understand leading-edge political tactics that can be relevant to their members as well as their own leadership development.