Lessons Learned From a Year of Leadership

By Teri Saylor, CAE

 

   A year as president of the Association Executives of North Carolina

has come and gone. 

   Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC) is a professional society of which I, along with nearly 600 other association managers, staff, hospitality industry executives and others, am a member.

   Perched on the back end of this experience, the benefits feel rich profound.

   It is not clear whether being an association executive helps one be

a better volunteer leader or if being a volunteer leader helps me be

a better executive director. I hope it has worked both ways for me.

   Here are a few lessons I have learned that may help anyone

interested in or about to embark on the adventure of volunteer leadership:

• Don't plan to change the world - or association - in one year.
• Use plans that are already in place.
• If a long or short range plan has not been developed, use your term as president to initiate one. You will make a positive imprint in the association for years to come, and those following in your footsteps will be grateful.
• Stay with the program. It is easier and less risky than launching out and marching to the beat of your own drum. You can make a strong, positive impact on an organization without going over the top.
• Get on the mailing list of all the association committees.
• WARNING: Don't try to attend all of the meetings, but do try to attend some of them, and remember that at least receiving the mailings will help you keep up with association activities and programs.
• Try to keep up with details, but don't micromanage the organization.  It will drive you crazy.
• Don't try to get into petty fights. They are lose-lose situations.
• You may win battles, but you'll lose wars. Save your energy and influence for the larger issues. And even with those big skirmishes, don't try to fight them alone. Solicit support from your  executive committee and board. There is strength in numbers.
• Speaking of your executive committee and board, delegate.
• Delegate to committee chairs too. These people were elected and appointed to represent their association.
• They are talented and eager to work. Give them a chance to shine. They'll appreciate you for it. Plus, it makes for less work and worry for you.
• Remember, this is just one year. You'll turn over your agenda to people coming up through the ranks. Don't create any monsters others will be stuck with for years to come.
• Don't sweat the small stuff.
• Enjoy feeling important. It only lasts a year.
• Take full advantage of the perks. They only last a year too.
• Embrace the experience and give it all you can give. It may be hard today, but tomorrow you'll be glad you did.

 

This article ran first in Success by Association, published by Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC).  It has been published in various newspapers and other publications.