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Having Fun While Leading with Confidence

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If you think your board meetings are chaotic, hold my beer. We’ve imagined and dramatized how board meetings, leadership, and just generally being a board member can go off the rails in our Leading With Confidence video series. While what you see in the short video sample below is fiction, there’s a kernel of truth in each of our videos that veteran association leaders will recognize.

We’re not advocating that you try any of this at your next meeting. But what we do know is that making education fun makes it more likely people will watch and learn. Well-run meetings, effective communication, and a focus on mission can elevate an association’s governance and make it more effective. That’s why we produced this series of videos. 

New to Board Service?

When you first join a board, it can be a little intimidating. You want things to go well, and you want to have an impact. Understanding your role, preparing properly and practicing a few habits will help you stand out as a leader and make a difference for your organization. Mistakes can be a great teacher. In that spirit, we present How Not To Be An Effective Board Member, where we explore some not-so-far-fetched scenarios of fundraising ideas getting completely divorced from an organization’s mission and values. 

Subcommittee Purgatory

Committee meetings are part of the job for most board members. It’s where a lot of the work gets done. Subcommittee Purgatory is a cautionary tale of what happens when meetings lose their purpose and become a rote exercise. Remembering purpose turns this dark and comically dismal meeting into a bright, joyful event. 

First-Time Board Chair

Chairing a board can be a challenge — even for board veterans. You’re in charge, but how do you get things done? A good board chair knows how to listen and engage other members in the discussion. In First Time Board Chair, we follow the adventures of a new board chair who learns what not to do the hard way. 

Bring Professional Video Production to Your Organization

Ewald’s Studio E content team produced these dramatized videos with professional actors and script writers from Danger Boat productions. It’s an example of the level of production we bring to all of our videos, including promos to increase conference attendance, recruit new members, workforce development and more. 

We have more videos to help board members. If someone just joined your board, we have the perfect video to share with them: Welcome to the Board is a pep talk for new members, reminding them they wouldn’t have the job unless other people believed they had the skills and know-how to succeed.

For those who may be new to association leadership, we have a video demonstrating the difference between mission, vision and values. Yet another shows how the Superpowers of Associations touch our lives every day. 

All these videos are available free at www.ewald.com/leading. We encourage you to watch, laugh, learn and share as we serve at the intersection of business, government and society to improve industries and professions. 

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The Board’s Duty of Foresight 

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Ewald Consulting welcomed Jeff De Cagna, AIMP, FRSA, FASAE to our Associations Trends Talk on July 17, 2024. Jeff is a long-time association community contributor and executive advisor for Foresight First LLC in Reston, Virginia. Here are some highlights from his presentation. 

What will our successors say about us as association leaders? 

  • They will evaluate our actions / judgments. 
  • We need to take our current focus away from legacy — as that is a narrative about what we did, not what we did for them in the future. 
  • Foresight lets us imagine how we can leave our associations better than we found them. 

Duty of foresight 

  • How do we avoid mistakes? As an example, Jeff told the story of how the board at Blackberry failed to anticipate competition, and ultimately became irrelevant. 
  • To avoid failure, boards of directors need to choose the duty foresight, which involves intentional learning, short-term sacrifice and long-term action. 

How does foresight work, and why is it essential? 

  • Intentional learning is a non-negotiable requirement (otherwise, how can we learn what we need?).
  • Foresight is not just about data—it’s also about imagination. 
  • We need to look at the far future (7-10 years from now) and imagine what the world will look like then — including a look at futures that are unfavorable and futures that are unthinkable. 
  • Making sacrifices today will let us act differently moving forward. 
  • We can practice foresight by repeating work to build performance and deepen impact (not just connected to strategy; it must be consistent, repeated work). 

Choosing the future 

  • Foresight is a choice that we must make. It will give our board a deeper sense of responsibility, and a mindset of long-term adaptation. 
  • Association boards are human systems responsible for stewarding human systems into the future. Think about how to move the system of the association into the future. 
  • The issues that are facing us and the choices boards must make won’t get easier; they will get more difficult. The sooner we can deal with the issues, the better we can prepare for a turbulent future. 

The BANI Framework 

Jeff recommended that rather than using a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) model of the world, boards should use the BANI Framework developed by futurist Jamais Cascio. 

  • Brittle: systems such as supply chains, food supply and health care are brittle, and we must look at how to shore them up and make them more resilient. 
  • Anxious: the depth, breadth and intensity of brittle systems are causing great anxiety, exemplified by increasing rates of drug use and suicide.
  • Non-linear: Seemingly small decisions can have massive consequences; for example, the spread of COVID was non-linear and linear thinking probably allowed it to spread even more rapidly. 
  • Incomprehensible: AI is a great example; even those who work with AI closely don’t understand exactly how those systems work. 

Why does the board’s duty of foresight remain a radical idea ten years later? 

  • We need to make this a radical idea so it never settles into a comfortable place of best practices. 
  • Foresight is the only construct that challenges boards to prioritize their successors. 
  • It demands unique board work. Rather than focusing on oversight or policy development, which can be assigned to other groups within the association, the board needs to focus on intentional learning, taking responsibility for stewarding for the future. 
  • Foresight moves with the larger world. It doesn’t simply involve the trade or profession served by a specific association or nonprofit. 

The big question: What will our successors say about us? 

There are fewer than 2,000 days left in this decade. How will we take action? We want our successors to think about us as people who cared about them. The duty of foresight is a moral choice, and an important choice to make.  

Additional resources 

Watch the video 

Jeff’s recent presentations and articles 

Fit-for-Purpose Association Board Director Learning Series, a collaboration between Association Forum of Chicagoland and Foresight First LLC 

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Yearly Wrap-Up With David Ewald 2023

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In this episode we welcome back David Ewald, CEO of Ewald Consulting, to review association trends of 2023 and discuss what we may see in 2024.

Takeaways:

  1. Hybrid Events are (Still) Here to Stay

Hybrid events, combining in-person and virtual components, have evolved into a significant and lasting trend. The adoption of virtual meetings, particularly during the pandemic, has demonstrated the benefits of extending reach, accessibility, and flexibility. Organizations now see the value of offering hybrid options, providing attendees with the choice to participate in-person or virtually, making events more inclusive and reaching a broader audience.

  1. The Future of Technology in Associations

The discussion emphasizes the need for associations to stay on top of technological advancements beyond just AI. David anticipates continued evolution of mobile technology in the association space, encouraging organizations to embrace and optimize the mobile experience for members. Additionally, the potential integration of virtual reality in conferences and events is highlighted, posing a question about the future possibility of attending virtual meetings using VR technology. The constant evolution of technology is seen as a significant factor that associations must navigate to stay relevant and effectively serve their members.

  1. Ongoing Challenges and Strategies for Associations

David underscores the enduring challenges faced by associations, such as budget constraints, changing demographics, and the need to diversify revenue streams. As associations navigate these challenges, the focus is on maintaining financial stability and operational effectiveness. Strategies discussed include meeting members where they are, understanding and adapting to demographic shifts, and finding innovative ways to generate revenue. Associations are encouraged to proactively address these ongoing challenges to ensure their sustainability and continued impact in the years ahead. Organizations also continue to face changes in workplace dynamics as we continue to determine what work will look like post-lockdown. All these things are important for associations to consider as they set goals for and navigate 2024.

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Associations Trends Talk: Energize to Mobilize

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The Association Trends Talk, “Energize to Mobilize: A Guide to Reviving Nonprofit Boards,” took place on November 15, 2023. Ewald Consulting welcomed Laura Orr, CEO of Forward Consulting, in discussion with Ewald Consulting’s CXO, Eric Ewald, on ways to keep board members engaged, ensure appropriate expectations for incoming board members, effective board leadership, and more.  

Some of the key takeaways include: 

  1. Some reasons for an increased lack of engagement with board members can be competing demands for time, a disconnect between a board member’s expectations and the reality of responsibilities, a strained board culture, and more.
  2. Opportunities for increasing engagement include regular board assessments, exit interviews, clear communication, effective board leadership, and clearly communicating the role responsibilities when recruiting new board members.
  3. Be sure to spend board meetings on action items, provide agenda information at least a week in advance, include questions to frame thinking, and allow time at the beginning of the meeting for socializing/getting to know each other. 
  4. Board leaders can schedule voluntary small group meetings for board members to get to know each other; this can help board members create relationships with each other, which can help down the road when tough decisions need to be made as a board. Recognize and celebrate wins, big and small. Encourage ongoing involvement including volunteering, delegating tasks were needed to increase involvement, and fostering a positive working environment. 

We look forward to seeing you on January 17, 2024, for our next Associations Trends Talk: How to Run the World’s Best Board Meeting. This discussion will feature Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director of the National Grants Management Association, and Eric Hauth, Executive Director of the International Concrete Repair Institute. 

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Where You Belong: The Importance of Associations

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In this episode, we are joined by Toma Kinville Ossian, Executive Director at Global Management Partners and Liz Anderson, Account Executive at Ewald Consulting to discuss the importance of associations as we near the end of 2023.

Takeaways:

1. Associations are important because the offer community. There is a group out there for just about every interest you could think of. Bringing these groups together increases that sense of community and improves industries.
Working within associations provides a feeling of service.

2. Service has shown to increase feelings of purpose, so it makes sense that Toma and liz both expressed feelings of fulfilment and joy working in this industry.

3. We should work towards increasing member value, ALWAYS. Toma explained that new technologies are always arising. Nowadays, it is very focused on AI. She said this will help the association management industry as it will free up space for us to be closer to our members.

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Making It Easier for Volunteers to Engage in Grassroots Advocacy

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The Ewald Consulting Government Relations team provides various services to help associations achieve their legislative aims. Government Affairs Director Valerie Dosland says the team is well-equipped for success. “Each member of our team has previous experience working as legislative staff inside the Minnesota capitol and provides a broad range of skills to our lobbying team. Each of us specializes in specific issue areas — ranging from early childhood and K-12 education to health and human services, local government, elections, taxes, and transportation.”  

As government relations continue to evolve, the Ewald Consulting team remains vigilant to adapt and support its clients from a position of strength. “We have greatly expanded our capabilities to provide effective grassroots engagement strategies for our clients,” Valerie continues. “This includes bringing on grassroots advocacy software to make it easier for our clients to engage in the legislative process.” In the most recent legislative session, associations that leveraged grassroots advocacy tools to augment their impact saw engagement from members at higher levels than ever before.

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Associations Next: What Even Happens in a Board Meeting? With Laurie Krueger, CAE

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In a recent conversation with Laurie Krueger, an account executive with Ewald Consulting and an Executive Director for multiple international associations, we learned about how to make the most of your board meetings. From preparation to execution, Laurie shared valuable insights on how to make these necessary gatherings more efficient and productive. 

  1. Preparation is Key. Board meetings don’t just happen on their own; they require meticulous preparation. Laurie emphasized the importance of starting the process 3 to 4 weeks in advance. This includes drafting the agenda, working with officers to refine it, and collecting all necessary documents. Distributing this information at least a week ahead of time allows board members to review, ensuring a more meaningful discussion during the meeting. 
  1. Efficient Meetings Require Engagement. Laurie highlighted the significance of active engagement during board meetings. She encouraged board members to come prepared by reading reports and documents in advance. This not only saves valuable meeting time but also ensures that discussions are focused and productive. Furthermore, she stressed the need for respectful communication and steering the conversation back on track if it veers off course. 
  1. Post-Meeting Actions Matter. After the meeting adjourns, Laurie’s work is far from over. She compiles meeting minutes, tracks action items, and follows up with relevant parties promptly. Effective post-meeting actions ensure that decisions are implemented, and the organization continues to progress efficiently. 

Board meetings are a crucial aspect of organizational management. By following these tips from an experienced executive director like Laurie Krueger, you can transform these meetings from time-consuming ordeals into productive sessions that drive your organization forward. 

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Associations Trends Talk: No Roadmap, No Problem

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Ewald Consulting hosted Associations Trends Talk on September 21, 2023. No Roadmap, No Problem: Navigating the Terrain of DEIA features Valerie Dosland, Government Affairs Director at Ewald, Brian Haney of the Haney Company, and Rhea Steele of the School Nutrition Association. In this discussion, they give real life examples of how to make associations more accessible and inclusive.

Here are some of our key takeaways:

  • Each of us will define DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility) in terms of our members and the field they work in. Different associations will have different areas of focus. Listening sessions with members can be a great way to get started on a DEIA journey.
  • It’s critical to have diversity of thought on an association’s board of directors; so much data reflects this reality. Board members need to hold each other accountable and to have the self-awareness to say that the right voices are not in the room when decisions are being made.
  • When we see something that could be uncomfortable for other members, we all need to become comfortable with speaking up; the burden should not always fall to marginalized people to say that a situation could be better.
  • You can’t avoid difficult conversations. If the person raising a challenge is still a member and they’re still engaged, that is good—even if they are bringing up a difficult issue. That shared connection of care can help to create an ally.
  • Both Brian and Rhea recognized the association community and ASAE as an excellent resource for help. We all represent different aspects of society — through different lenses. A sampling of useful DEIA resources: McKinsey, SHRM, Harvard Business Review, universities, Forbes, other state and national associations.

We will see you in November for our next installment of Associations Trends Talk featuring Laura Orr of Forward Governance Consulting.

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Associations Next: Ch-Ch-Changes

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In this episode, we are joined by Genae Young, member of the Board of Trustees for the Organization Development Network, and CEO of 1 Extraordinary Life. Genae sat down with us to discuss change management, particularly when it comes to the ever-changing landscape of volunteer organizations. 

Takeaways: 

  • Change management is for the organization, but it is all about the people involved. Make sure they are taken care of, listened to and supported. 
  • Make change management part of your annual plan. Have solid systems in place that help you thoughtfully navigate your change. 
  • Associations are particularly used to change. Anchor your organization in your mission, vision, and values in order. 

 

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ATT: AI – The Untapped Potential For Associations

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AI: The Untapped Potential for Associations 

 

Ewald Consulting hosted an Associations Trends Talk on July 19, 2023 to discuss how associations can use Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our panelists — Shawn Petersen of Maple Lane Media, Erica Salm Rench of Rasa.io and Emily Youngblood of Mercury Creative Group — are all using various AI platforms to assist with routine tasks. They shared their experiences: 

  • Help with boring work: Various AI platforms can help your staff handle some tedious, time-consuming tasks. Examples provided by our panelists include creating images with DALL-E and/or Photoshop, using Fathom to make transcripts of webinars or meetings, using ChatGPT to draft a presentation outline or to create descriptions of silent auction items, and using BettyBot to respond to routine questions on a website. These and other AI platforms can free up your staff to work on providing the human touch to members.
  • Continual evolution: The large language models that AI platforms are based on continue to learn and evolve. You and your team need to carefully review any information that a platform like ChatGPT provides. Better yet, use ChatGPT to create an outline and then rely on your internal subject matter experts to provide the “meat and potatoes,” as Emily called it. Erica recommended that when exploring new platforms, associations should ask the tech companies to share the benefits and ROI of the platform, and to share how association data will be used. 
  • Be aware of legal issues: Copyright law around AI is evolving. Be careful about images produced by DALL-E that might use copyrighted work as the basis for a new design. Shawn recommends that if you’re streaming a live event, be aware that any music used could get you into trouble with YouTube or other video platforms.  
  • Work as a team: Emily stated that associations need to remain true to their brand and to their ideal members; maintain your brand standards when considering new technology. Create standard operating procedures for AI — and revisit them every 3–6 months as the situation warrants. Shawn suggested thinking about a project from inception through completion to consider all the people and resources needed; then, ask volunteers where they would like to be involved.  
  • Keep learning: Erica recommended reading one book a month on a topic that will help you stay abreast of continuing change. Use other resources to keep your knowledge updated. Shawn encouraged us to try new things, without being afraid of failure. 

 

It is likely that new AI platforms will come along, and existing platforms will evolve. What won’t change is the need for real people to ensure that the member experience remains true to an association’s mission and that members continue to engage in meaningful ways. 

Watch the webinar here!

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