Change is critical. It’s also risky. There are 4 inescapable facts to keep in mind. We cannot succeed without regular, meaningful change Some changes will fail Some changes will fail at first but become successful over time There will always be a vocal contingent of opposition There are some changes that are simply essential. You…
We’re way behind but we’re getting better. Our sector is way behind the for-profit world, but we’re getting better. We know from our annual survey of Canadian membership associations, that the vast majority of Canadian associations do not track and manage the basic metrics of their business. Until recently, even the concept of managing a…
By Asif Ahmed, Manager at Zzeem Zzeem recently hosted an European-Canadian summit to exchange views on how associations and Association Management Companies (AMCs) operate across Canada and abroad. The 10-member delegation represented various Dutch associations and AMCs. There seemed to be a lot of similarities and differences between Europe and Canada not only in the…
The “Seven Year Itch” is more than just a romantic notion made famous by Hollywood, where partners take stock of their relationship and decide whether it’s working or it’s time to find something new and “better”. This also happens to associations and their association management partners. After all, association management is like any other relationship.…
Many directors think bylaws are something the association is required to have but don’t see it as a vital tool for how they do business. It is considered complicated and full of legal language that no one really understands. Often no one looks at them and they gather dust. This is a CRITICAL mistake! Think…
The CEO reports to the board. Right? Yes. So if the board directs the CEO to do something, he/she should do it. Right? Not always. When should the CEO say No? When the CEO’s responsibility to the organization is in conflict with a directive from the board. How might this occur? When the board directs…