Associations Now - 2016

January/February 2016 Issue

Cover Story: Foresight First
By: Jeff De Cagna, FASAE For associations to survive and thrive in a time of constant change, their leaders need to develop a clear-eyed and disciplined focus on the future. The duty of foresight is a responsibility that boards must embrace now.
Writing a New Chapter
By: Joe Rominiecki For an Association with a troubled chapter system, the path to resurgence is no walk in the park. It begins with a board of directors both bold in vision and open to all possible solutions. With so many members and volunteers holding a stake,it may be one of the toughest leadership challenges a board can take on. Here's how three associations have done it.
Step by Step
By: Mark Athitakis When it comes to climbing the leadership ladder, successful volunteers keep an eye on the next rung, while helping those behind them.
Debate Done Right
By: Kristin Clarke, CAE Most people cringe at the word debate, envisioning the personal, divisive attacks of presidential candidates posturing on a public stage. But formal debate can be highly effective for busy leaders faced with complex decisions and ideas, so perhaps it's time to consider a good argument.

Cover Story: Aligning Revenue With Mission
By: Katie Bascuas
As associations face pressure to develop new and innovative revenue-generating products and services, the most successful ones are leveraging what they already know and do well—starting by keeping their missions and industry know-how in mind.
A Tale of Two CEOs: The Association Expert and the Industry Veteran
By: Joe Rominiecki
Success as an association CEO takes strong association management acumen and a deep understanding of members. But most CEOs come with career experience in one or the other, as association professionals or industry practitioners. Two new executives share how they've adapted in their first year on the job. Though their backgrounds are widely different, their stories are much alike.
A Big Boost for Associations in Africa
By: Mark Athitakis
Africa has a growing economy and burgeoning professional class. What's missing are professionals leading their industries and opportunities for them to meet. With a new society, Africa is getting serious about association management.

Cover Story: What to Do Before and After a Cyber Attack
By: Mark Athitakis
Cyberattacks are all but inevitable now for organizations large and small. That means being prepared—both before and after a breach. When it happens to you, the first 48 hours will be critical for evidence gathering and reassuring your members. Here are prep and response strategies from associations that have been there.
Productivity Tools to Help Your Work Smarter
By: Katie Bascuas
Battling a bloated inbox? Need to send a quick message to a coworker? There's probably a productivity tool that can help. Here's a look at the latest peer-recommended apps and software that are helping association professionals perform at maximum efficiency.
On-The-Job Tech: Skills for Association Professionals
By: Alex Beall
As technology evolves and association professionals require more tech tools to get the job done each day, the responsibility for learning and understanding technology is not just for IT anymore.
Leadership Lessons From Outer Space
By: Karla Taylor
What do managing an association and commanding a space shuttle have in common? More than you might think, say twin astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly—except you don't have to leave for work at nine times the speed of a rifle bullet. Find out what orbiting the Earth can teach about leadership.

Cover Story: What Four Leaders Learned from Athletic Competition
By: Allison Torres Burtka
As the world turns its attention to the Summer Olympics, four athlete-executives—two of them former Olympians—tell how pursuing excellence in sports made them better leaders.
Member Retention: Hard Work, but Somebody's Gotta Do It
By: Joe Rominiecki
Here's a little secret from membership-savvy associations: While new-member acquisition offers the thrill of the chase, member retention brings long-term stability. It's built on engagement, value, and connection, and it starts the day a member joins.
Navigate Your Next CEO Departure
By: Joe Rominiecki
The departure of an association CEO doesn't need to feel like jumping off a cliff. With a solid succession plan and clear roles for the board, staff, and outgoing executive, an association can traverse the leadership transition with confidence and continuity.