Institute for Organization Management - A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

April 25, 2023

Benefits of Shared Leadership

Historically, not-for-profit organizations have been slow to change their structure. This includes the longstanding, hierarchical nature of governance.

Within our organizations, governance frames the responsibilities within which we operate. It also creates the accountabilities for leadership of the organization. It is responsible for policies, the organization’s sustainability, and the effectiveness of the mission.

Faced with a pandemic, staffing challenges, and community needs, nonprofit organizations have proven their flexibility in operations. These opportunities have created a more inclusive and shared leadership style of governance.

Don’t misunderstand: The board is still essential to the organization. However, with shared governance, collaboration is encouraged. Diversity of ideas, experiences, and cultures serves as the scaffold through which the organization grows and succeeds. Volunteer engagement increases.

It increases equity by embracing diversity. It also encourages collaborative solutions from outside the organization. Solutions are therefore more community focused and less on the interests or wants of the few. This, too, broadens the impact on and interest from key stakeholders. Member engagement increases.

Trust is important to the success of shared leadership. From open communications to following through on commitments, shared leadership also creates a better understanding of the organization’s strengths and opportunities. Volunteer leaders have a deeper understanding of the services and programs. Staff leadership better understands the role and interests of the community and volunteers.

In the end, everyone with an interest in the organization embraces the vision of the organization and contributes to its success. Shared leadership allows for a more agile organization built on trust, equity, and flexibility.

      
Avatar photo
Joseph B. Henning, IOM, CAE
President & CEO
Henry County (GA) Chamber of Commerce

Joseph Henning, IOM, CAE, has served as president and chief executive officer of the Henry County (GA) Chamber of Commerce since 2019. Prior to that, he served 14 years as president and CEO of the Aurora Regional (IL) Chamber of Commerce. Within three years of joining the Henry County Chamber, he successfully led them to receive the ACCE’s 2022 Chamber of the Year. Henning is a 2009 graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Institute for Organization Management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree focusing on organizational development from Northern Illinois University as well as a certificate in not-for-profit management from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

He has served as chair of IOM’s Midwest Board of Regents in 2012 and 2013. In 2017, he served as chair of the national Board of Trustees for the program and continues to serve as a faculty member. He has taught on collaboration, industry forecast, strong chambers for the future, and marketing and membership.

In 2007, the Aurora Chamber received its first accreditation through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with four-star distinction. In 2012 and 2017, he led the re-accreditation efforts and successfully achieved consecutive five-star distinction. In 2015, the Chamber received Chamber of the Year from the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives as well as three-star Chamber of Valor by Hiring Our Heroes/U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

In 2012, Henning successfully sat for and received his Certified Association Executive designation from ASAE. In 2014, he was named Chamber Executive of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

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