“Struggling” is not foreign language for Chambers and Associations

Several of our readers of my monthly newsletter are non-profit, Chamber of Commerce and Association Executives, and staff professionals. Our paths have crossed over the years at Institute for Organization Management, a program of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Our other readers are business leaders and owners, who, through this monthly newsletter have discovered a better understanding of the non-profit management and administration world. They also have shared in the past that a for profit, private sector leader, the goals are often aligned in their mission.

Institute graduates and attendees have contacted me in the last 6 months, and the word…Struggling, often comes from their response when I ask how their organization is doing. My point is, the Institute program has prepared us for a wide range of leadership opportunities with the classes they offer, and most of you have attended.

Perhaps it is time to dip into the deep well of your leadership training and get a few new, fresh ideas from reviewing the past that could work in your future.

A brisk walk down memory lane, I would remind you of a few class titles that you probably attended during your 4 years at Institute.

To name just a few that I recall would be…Becoming A Strategic Leader…. Managing Upward…. Managers who Motivate, and Unleash the Leader Within.

After 4 years of Institute, you need a larger toolbox. One of the most taken advantage and priceless tools all Institute attendees have is networking and sharing each other’s challenges, victories, and crisis.

In conclusion, I appreciate all the calls I have had from chambers and associations professionals sharing their  solutions, ideas, frustrations and optimistic plans underway to move forward, retaining each member, keep the sponsors you have already acquired, adjust, move forward and succeed on behalf of your Chamber or Association to the benefit of all that you serve.

A successful business leader from Hawaii shared this quote with me recently, and I have it posted in my office to reminded me of all the tools and ideas that Institute gave me.

“Leadership is like a tea bag: your true colors emerge with hot water”
(Zeta Smith)

Lead on my friends, Lead on!