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Tech

Associations Next: Let’s Talk About Tech

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In this episode, Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Engagement Officer at ASAE joins us to discuss the upcoming year and how technology plays into the new lives of associations.

Takeaways:

  1. We are not going back to normal: Reggie explains that many refer to going “back to normal,” but this is not likely. Over the past two years, associations have shifted more than they did in the last decade. Teams are now used to things like working from home and attending conferences virtually — so it will be hard to convince them to go back to exclusively in-person activities. Let go of the idea that things will go back to exactly the way things were; look forward instead.
  2. Technology offers more options to your members: One great benefit of this new emergence of technology during the pandemic is associations are more able than ever to reach out and engage their audiences. As Reggie explained, not everyone can get on a plane and attend a conference far away from home. These new virtual and hybrid options allow members to engage with the organization in a way that better fits with their lives. You may also have an opportunity to engage younger members with new tools.
  3. We should prepare for another transition year: While Reggie expressed excitement for the year and its opportunities for associations, he warned that the pandemic era is not over, and we should conduct ourselves as such. We are still living month-to-month, so making in-person plans for the end of the year may not be very feasible. Instead, investigate alternatives such as demo days to allow suppliers to interact with members in a meaningful way.
  4. Face-to-Face interaction is still vital: Reggie cites Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in saying that there people will always yearn for ways to gather in person. But associations may need to look at new ways to create safe spaces, including vaccine-checking software and the ability to notify attendees if someone does contract COVID.

Listen to the episode: Let’s Talk About Tech

tunnel

Associations Next: Annual Wrap Up

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In this episode, Ewald Consulting CEO David Ewald joins us to look back on 2021 and look ahead to what is to come in the new year.

Takeaways:

  1. The pandemic is not over: As we enter our third year in a pandemic, David makes it clear that while we should continue to hope for the end of the pandemic, a lot of the changes it has brought are here to stay. We should continue to adapt in the association world to the new ways of working and using technology, while also maintaining a constant awareness for the changes COVID-19 and its variants bring.
  2. Keep up with your community: The main function of most associations is to provide community to those who are part of it. Consider the specific ways that your community likes to connect. Whether it be virtual events, networking calls, or social media groups, it is important to stay on top of how your community interacts.
  3. Consider what is on the horizon: While it is obviously important that we stay on top of COVID-19, it is important to envision a bright future for your organization. What changes do you hope to make? How is your staffing changing? Are there new technologies your organization could benefit from? David mentioned his curiosity about artificial intelligence and how it may fit into the association world. Make it a habit to think out of the box.

Listen to the episode: Annual Wrap Up

Audience

Associations Next: Don’t Stop Engagin’

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In this episode, we sit down with Christi Kokaisel, Senior Director of Membership and Amy Nostdahl, Associate Director of Member Leadership Development at American Academy of Neurology. They give us some valuable insight into how to engage your member base virtually.

  1. Overall, members seem to be more engaged despite the state of the country and world. Christi said there has been a 13 percent increase in AAN’s community engagement on its online platform — and a whopping 52 percent increase in international member engagement. This may show that members are looking for engagement, so now is such an important time to lean into engagement.
  2. Focus on community. Amy explains the importance of listening to her members during the pandemic to help them lead through crisis. As an association of medical professionals, she said it was important to be there and support her members at that time. Find out how you can be there to support your community.
  3. Recognize that competition for your members’ attention is growing from many sources. Be ready to innovate to keep your share of audience.
  4. While video is incredibly engaging, virtual meetings and events create fatigue among participants. Work to find the balance. Quick polls, breakout rooms and other tactics can help hold attention.
  5. Focus on engaging discussion during meetings/training events, with about 80 percent of the time spent in dialogue. Christi recommends keeping it short, having breaks, and not going overboard with presentations. This keeps meetings efficient and engaging.

Listen to the episode: Don’t stop Engagin’

Structure

Associations Next: Here Comes a Regular (Structure)

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In this episode, we talk to account executive Arzu Alimohd, who sits down to tell us about the importance of properly structuring your board meetings.

Takeaways:

  1. Start your meetings off on the right foot by outlining what will happen. Have protocols in place if the meeting goes off track, such as a code word or a member tasked with the responsibility to keep the board on track. Holding orientation or training for board members can ensure that all are aligned on priorities and structure.
  2. Be transparent if things have shifted in the agenda. Make it clear that the structure of the meeting is a priority, so if things change, help members understand that this was a thoughtful, intentional change.
  3. Review who is on your board. Do you have enough diversity and representation to have an effective meeting for your organization? When your board is made up of differing voices, your board will be much more thoughtful with issues that come up. There will be disagreement, so be sure to have a culture of respectful conversation.

Listen to the episode: Here Comes a Regular (Structure)

Hands

Associations Next: To Be or Not To Be (On a Board)

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In this episode, we welcome back Eric Ewald, where he discusses considerations when thinking about joining a board. To learn more about board governance, check out our blog Ewald in Practice at Ewald.com.

Takeaways:

  1. Do you have the time, energy and resources to dedicate to board service? Being invited to join a board may be flattering, but to properly carry out the role, you need to be thoughtful about how much time you are able to dedicate to your position.
  2. Meet with other board members. The best way to get an idea of how the board functions is to grab a cup of coffee with a current member. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
  3. Keep in mind that it may take a while to get comfortable. Eric explains that some board members do not feel fully settled for a year or more. Don’t hesitate to reach out to staff and other board members with questions. It is all a learning experience.

Listen to the episode: To Be or Not to Be (On a Board)

Board Meeting

Associations Next: Board Meetings 101

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If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be “meetings.” -Dave Barry

 

Meetings have a bad rap. Many of us dread them—mostly because without the right preparation and care, they can be ineffective and time consuming. Boards of associations must be diligent and purposeful with their time in meetings, while also making them engaging and—get this—FUN.

 

Eric Ewald, CAE explains “Running efficient and productive meetings is a way to respect the valuable time of volunteer leaders. Done well, effective meetings will increase board member engagement, retention, and recruitment.” In this post, we walk you through top tips to run board meetings so your leaders walk away feeling energized and inspired.

 

  1. Prepare: Preparing well for a meeting makes it more productive. Association board members are volunteers who have other priorities that may take precedent from time to time. Still, board members have a legal obligation to stay on top of information relating to the organization and items pertaining to meetings. According to Board Build, one helpful way to improve meetings is to send out ahead of time the agenda and relevant readings that will be discussed in the meeting. When everyone is on same page and has already reviewed the information, less time is spent going over things that could be read outside the meeting.
  2. Listen to others: We started learning this lesson in preschool, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded even today. Nonprofit hub explains that actively listening to everyone on the board is crucial to having an effective, cooperative board. Some quieter members may feel overshadowed by more extroverted members, so make sure everyone has their time to speak. Further, go into meetings with an open mind. Hear everyone out, especially if ideas seem different to you. Not only will this help the board progress, but it could help you grow too.
  3. Rotate who leads sections: Don’t be afraid to shake things up from time to time. Giving board members time to speak in front of the rest of the board can help build connection and confidence in each member’s ability to lead. The Council of Nonprofits explains that this also helps with sharing information and engaging board members.
  4. Set clear roles: Board Build explains that setting clear roles ensures that everyone on the board understands their purpose. When roles are clearly understood, less time is used on separating out tasks. This also creates less conflict between board members when there is no confusion on who handles what.
  5. Give each item a time frame: Assign times and stick to them. Start and end your meetings on time, but also assign times to agenda items and stick to the schedule. There will always be more to talk about—but move things along. The Council of Nonprofits explains that this makes the board more productive and demonstrates to your board that their time is valued. “Running efficient and productive meetings is a way to respect the valuable time of volunteer leaders. Done well, effective meetings will increase board member engagement, retention, and recruitment.”
  6. Recognize: We all know that recognizing employees makes them happier and more effective. The same applies to your board. Nonprofit hub explains that gift cards and dinners are great, but simple things like a sincere thank-you at the end of the meeting or a follow-up email recognizing their dedication is enough to motivate the board.

 

There is no one correct way to run a board meeting, but themes that make meetings great are fairly consistent across the board (no pun intended): committing to time, preparing, team building, and recognition. Get your board on the right track so your organization can keep doing awesome things!

 

To learn more, check out our podcast, Associations Next

 

Voice

Associations Next: Voice the Change

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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Julie Gedro, Dean of the School of Business at State University of New York Empire State College. She tells us how to thoughtfully lead change by being empathetic and a good communicator.

Takeaways:

  1. Communication takes time. It may seem like sending an email takes a minute or less, but during times of significant change, you need to put time and energy into how your messages are crafted. Dr. Gedro suggests seeing this time as an investment rather than an expense.
  2. Provide messages in a variety of ways. Everyone receives messages differently, so communicating in different ways sets up you and your employees up for greater connection and success. Odds are, you will never communicate too much.
  3. Develop a habit of empathy. Developing trust can greatly impact your ability to succeed in your change efforts. Dr. Gedro explains that this trust must be developed over time, as you cannot convince your way into being trusted. You can do this by showing interest in your team’s points of view and opening yourself up to their opinions.

 

To dig deeper, check out these reading suggestions provided by Dr. Gedro:

 

Shulga, L. V. (2020). Change Management Communication: The Role of Meaningfulness, Leadership Brand Authenticity, and Gender. Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, 1-18, doi:10.1177/1938965520929022

 

Bridges, William. Bridges Transition Model. Accessed on 5/28/2021: https://wmbridges.com/about/what-is-transition/

 

Gedro, J. Allain, N. M., De-Souza, D., Dodson, L.,  & Mawn, M. V.  (2020): Flattening the learning curve of leadership development: reflections of five women higher education leaders during the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020, Human Resource Development International, DOI: 10.1080/13678868.2020.1779911

 

Listen to the Episode: Voice the Change

Stand

Associations Next: Stand Out With Dorie Clark

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In this episode, we present a conversation with Dorie Clark, CEO of Park Strategic Communications and named one of 50 Top Business Thinkers in the world by Thinkers 50. This previously recorded conversation occurred during Ewald’s Vision 2021 Conference.

Takeaways:

  1. Too often, innovation is something called upon only when needed. Dorie explains that’s not how it works anymore. Innovation should be a constant skill we use and improve upon.
  2. Challenge the status quo. Many organizations have been doing the same things for years, simply because that’s the way things have been done. Question your organization’s practices and utilize your experiences to bring in more perspective.
  3. Ideas come from problems. Your unique perspective on problems you have faced can open up new doors for innovation.
  4. Connectors are often the most valuable people in an organization — and it’s become easier than ever to become one. Finding gaps in communication and filling them makes you indispensable in your organization. Putting the effort in to network and get a feel for others’ ideas will help you disseminate the best ideas throughout your organization. Previously, it was difficult to meet up with peers across the world or the country. Now, we can hop on Zoom calls instantly.
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Listen to the episode: Stand Out With Dorie Clark

Change

Associations Next: The Organizations Are A Changin’

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In this episode we are joined by Founder and CEO of Creative Catalysts, Dr. Amy Batiste. She tells us all about how to thoughtfully create and navigate through change in your organization. To learn more, check out our blog, Ewald in Practice.

Takeaways:

  1. We often have to push ourselves to embrace and push change. These major shifts often disrupt the day-to-day that entire organizations are used to. Part of change is embracing the discomfort and recognizing that you are on the path of becoming better.
  2. Don’t just go for the quick fix. There is energy and excitement that comes with change, but it takes hard work and understanding beyond the initial spark to move forward and create meaningful, long-lasting change.
  3. Be honest and clear about why you are creating this change. Change is rarely perfect but be transparent about where you are in the process. Communicate what you can when you can. Further, being specific about how this change fits into your organization’s mission will help with buy-

Listen to the episode: The Organizations Are A Changing’

Hybrid

Associations Next: Tips For Your Hybrid Event

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In this episode, we talk to Vicki Thein, Ewald Consulting’s Director of Events, Vicki Thein. In the episode, she tells us all about how to pull of an engaging an exciting virtual event. 

Takeaways:

  1. Find the platform that works best for you. Vicki explains that when you are looking for a platform to support your virtual guests, think about what you need from your platform. Do you want breakout rooms? The ability to answer virtual guests’ questions? Look out for what you and your organization want in a platform.
  2. Have different offerings for your different audiences. While it is important to make the virtual guests feel part of the event, Vicki explains that you should have an incentive for guests to be in person. That way, it will be worth it for the in-person attendees to take the time to be there. You can do this through special lunches, site tours and more.
  3. Hybrid events offer tremendous opportunity. Even after the pandemic, hybrid events offer the ability to attend events from anywhere in the world. The newfound flexibility that comes with the events may be here to stay.

Listen to the episode: Tips for Your Hybrid Event

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