By Bob Harris, CAE “An association or chamber needs a dedicated group of leaders working together to advance a cause or mission. Nonprofit organizations have served the USA for more than 150 years. With 1.5 million nonprofit, exempt organizations, the common traits are the purpose of advancing a mission and volunteer leadership team. Good governance…
Two board members walk out of the association’s planning session. One of them says, “Great session but who’s going to do the work?” The other board member offers, “I don’t really know but those cookies were amazing!” Too often there is no good understanding and closure around the roles of governance and management after a…
By Bob Harris, CAE “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” is a phrase used to promote a positive attitude during adversity. The lemons represent the sourness or difficulties. Making lemonade is turning them into something positive or desirable. Many executives are making lasting improvements during the pandemic adversity. A discussion I recently had with…
I am following up on the article that was published here in March 2019 about Managing Your Board’s Expectations and Your Staff’s Workload During Strategic Planning. I will be writing from experience as to why I have left a few boards because the demand on my time was interfering with my professional and personal life.…
By Bob Harris, CAE The directors griped, “We start the meeting with the first order of business being approval of the previous minutes. An hour is wasted talking about what we did at the last meeting and whether the information is accurate.” Losing the first hour of a board meeting is deflating. The directors arrive…
Written by: Bob Harris, CAE Reviewed by: William D. Pawlucy, CAE, MPA, IOM The new board guide for the summer and remainder of 2020 is titled Leadership, Governance, and Pandemic Recovery. It is 40-pages, free, offering guidance and hope for economic rebound with innovative ideas on how to reimagine the board room. To address the…
Volunteering is a part of America’s culture. People step forward to help advance a cause or community. There are more than 1.5 million nonprofit, exempt organizations in the US. Each has a board of directors and committee structure composed of volunteers. While every person intends to add value, there are some behaviors that should…
By Bob Harris, CAE and Dot Miller, CAE We are hopeful there will be no second wave of the coronavirus, or that mitigation will reduce its impact. Health officials have predicted a return in the fall and through the winter. Associations must prepare. Are we taking advantage of what we have learned in the…
By Bob Harris, CAE Association planning retreats are convened every few years. They represent a significant investment in people’s time and meeting costs. Attendees are asked to create a 3 to 5-year roadmap. The results should best position the organization and communicate value to members. During the process, volunteers and staff will take deep dives…
By Bob Harris, CAE An association relies on its board to govern. It sets the vision and advances the mission to best position the organization and serve its members. Through the pandemic, some directors may have reasons they can no longer volunteer. Concerns about jobs, business survival, health and family come first. It is…
